Ionotrophy, chronotrophy, dromotrophy, lusirophy and bathmotrophy

The heart is amazing.. Just like we have 5 senses, theheart has 5 properties < 3

They are rhythmicity, conductivity, excitiability, contractility and relaxation. These properties have been given fancy names too!

Hyperthyroidism and hyperdynamic circulation

Hello!

Hyperthyroidism results in a hyperdynamic circulation. This post was created because I attempted to know why :D

The cardiac effects of hyperthyroidism commonly cause increased preload with low systemic vascular resistance, a high heart rate, high cardiac output and increased cardiac muscle oxygen consumption. So that's why, hyperdynamic circulation!

Step 2 CK: Investigating thyroid nodule

Hello! 

If you find a thyroid nodule on clinical examination, the next best step is to get a TSH level.

Why? Because it helps you decide which investigation to order next!

If TSH is low, you need to do a radionucleotide scan first.

Why? Because it helps you decide whether or not you need a fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)

If the nodule is functioning, do not do a FNA. It just means hyperthyroidism. Observe or treat depending of FT4, T3 levels.

If the nodule is non functional, however, you must do a FNAC for a possible malignancy.

If TSH is normal or elevated, it means there could be something suspicious in the glad, do FNAC of the nodule.

Why not do a scan? Because the nodule will likely be non functional and will tell you nothing else to change your management,

UpToDate mentions sonographic criteria for biopsy before jumping to a FNA, but Master The Boards says that USG can never exclude malignancy and you must always do a FNAC.

 Investigating thyroid nodule

That's all!

-IkaN

Pendred syndrome mnemonic

Hello!

What is pendrin?
An iodine transporter, pendrin, is located on the apical surface of thyroid cells which mediates iodine efflux into the lumen.

What is pendred syndrome?
Mutation of the pendrin gene causes Pendred syndrome, a disorder characterized by defective organification of iodine, goiter, and sensorineural deafness.

How do I remember this?

Diabetes insipidus and SIADH mnemonics

"Do you have any mnemonics on vasopressin related disorders? I always mix up diabetes insipidus and syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone!"

Sorry for replying so late. You are probably in your second year med school because once you get old, you can never mix up the two. Anyway, I made these mini mnemonics for ya, hope they help! :)

Normal sodium, potassium and serum osmolality values mnemonic

Hello!

In my last post, I helped you guys remember normal arterial blood gas values. Now, we are going to remember a few electrolytes. Yaay! :D

Step 2 CK: Conjunctivitis in newborn

Hello! 

These are some points that I felt are high yield while studying conjunctivitis in newborn =)

Cystic fibrosis and prolonged neonatal jaundice

Why does cystic fibrosis cause prolonged neonatal jaundice? 

Friedreich's ataxia mnemonic

Mini post for the day :)

Step 2 CK: Treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) mnemonic

Hello my old friend!

Today's post is on  Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)!

Here are my notes and mnemonics :D

Fetal Hydantoin syndrome mnemonic

This is a short post on fetal hydantoin syndrome.

Step 2 CK: Anterior and posterior urethral injuries and mnemonic

Hello!

I was studying about urethral injuries today for my Step 2 CK exam and these are my notes :)
I put them in a question and answer format. Hope it helps! 

What are the pats of the male urethra?
The male urethra is anatomically subdivided into anterior and posterior segments at the level of the urogenital diaphragm.

Posterior urethra:
Prostatic urethra
Membranous urethra

Anterior urethra:
Bulbous urethra
Penile urethra

Mnemonic: PM BP

Parts of male urethra mnemonic

Step 2 CK: Blunt pancreatic trauma

Happy Monday everyone!

Today, I am going to be talking about a uncommon condition, blunt pancreatic trauma.

Blunt pancreatic trauma occurs when high energy force is applied to the upper abdomen, which crushes the retroperitoneal structures against the vertebral bodies.