Basicmedical Key

Definition Valvular heart disease comprises a group of congenital or acquired conditions characterized by damage to the heart valve(s), resulting in deranged blood flow through the heart chambers. Key Points…

Definition Pituitary disorders are characterized either by a failure of secretion of pituitary hormones or by tumours, which cause local pressure effects or specific syndromes due to hormone overproduction. Key…

Hyperparathyroidism Definition Hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by hypercalcaemia caused by excess production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Key Points Hyperparathyroidism often presents with vague symptoms to many different specialists. Asymptomatic…

Definitions Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a malignant lesion of the head, body or tail of the pancreas. Periampullary carcinomas arise around the ampulla of Vater and include tumours arising from the…

Definition Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition of the exocrine pancreas that results from injury to the acinar cells. It may be acute or chronic. A pancreatic pseudocyst is a persisting…

Definition Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) describes malignant lesions in the mucosa of the colon (65%) or rectum (35%). Key Points Genetic factors have an important role in the pathogenesis of CRC….

Definition A chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown cause of the colonic mucosa, usually beginning in the rectum and extending proximally to a variable extent. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease together…

Definition Crohn’s disease is a chronic transmural inflammatory disorder of unknown cause affecting the alimentary tract (any part from mouth to anus). Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis together are referred…

Definition A peptic ulcer is a break in the epithelial surface of the stomach or duodenum (or Meckel’s diverticulum) caused by the action of gastric secretions (acid and pepsin) and…