Hiatal hernia and gastric reflux
C Hiatal hernia and gastric reflux Definitions Hiatal hernia A hiatal hernia consists of a defect in the diaphragm that allows a portion of the stomach to migrate upward into…
Gallstones and gallbladder disease
B Gallstones and gallbladder disease Cholecystitis Definition Obstruction of the cystic duct by gallstones results in acute, severe midepigastric pain, typically radiating to the right abdomen. Inspiratory effort usually accentuates…
Carcinoid tumors and carcinoid syndrome
A Carcinoid tumors and carcinoid syndrome Definition Carcinoid tumors consist of slow-growing malignancies composed of enterochromaffin cells usually found in the gastrointestinal tract. They may also occur in the lung,…
Hypothyroidism
K Hypothyroidism Definition and incidence Hypothyroidism is a state of thyroid gland hypofunction resulting in decreased circulating concentrations of thyroid hormones. Laboratory findings show decreased plasma T3 and T4 concentrations…
Hyperthyroidism
J Hyperthyroidism Definition Hyperthyroidism is defined as thyroid gland hyperactivity. Thyrotoxicosis is more specifically defined as a state of thyroid hormone excess. The most common cause of thyrotoxicosis in the…
Hyperparathyroidism
H Hyperparathyroidism Definition and incidence Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized and diagnosed by the presence of elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels despite high serum calcium levels. The incidence of primary…
Hypoparathyroidism
I Hypoparathyroidism Definition Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder characterized by inadequate secretion of PTH or a peripheral resistance to its effect. Patients with hypoparathyroidism typically have low serum calcium levels. The…
Hypoaldosteronism
G Hypoaldosteronism Definition Hypoaldosteronism causes hyperkalemia in the absence of renal insufficiency. Isolated deficiency of aldosterone secretion may reflect congenital deficiency of aldosterone synthetase or hyporeninemia resulting from a defect…
Hyperaldosteronism
F Hyperaldosteronism Definition Conn’s syndrome, the most common form of primary aldosteronism, results from hypersecretion of aldosterone from an adrenal adenoma independent of stimulus. Pathophysiology Primary aldosteronism may also be…
Diabetes insipidus
D Diabetes insipidus Definition Diabetes insipidus (DI) reflects the absence of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) owing to the destruction of the posterior pituitary gland (neurogenic DI) or failure of the renal…
