Posts

DUAL ENERGY CT DECT

Image
  Dual-energy CT (DECT) - capturing CT images using two different energy spectra, enabling the assessment of tissue composition in ways that traditional CT cannot provide. | Applications of DECT | | Central Nervous System |  • Removal of calcium from carotid arteries in head and neck angiography (Option C) • Detection of intracranial hemorrhage  • Elimination of bone structures in CT angiography to enhance vascular imaging | | Cardiovascular System |  • Assessment of myocardial viability and blood flow • Detection of iron deposits in the myocardium • Evaluation of coronary stents and calcified plaque • Identification of aortic endoleaks post-repair | | Thoracic System |  • Evaluation of pulmonary blood flow for diagnosing pulmonary embolism • Characterization of solitary lung nodules by measuring iodine concentration | | Gastrointestinal System |  • Detection of colonic masses and polyps during CT colonography • Quantification of liver fat in steatosis...

ABC ANALYSIS

 ABC analysis is an inventory control technique based on the annual consumption value (cost) of items. It follows the Pareto principle (80/20 rule), where a small proportion of items accounts for the majority of the expenditure. Total budget = ₹50,000  A Items: High-value items that consume the largest portion of the budget (~70%) despite accounting for a small proportion of inventory (~10%). Here, 35,000 Rs out of 50,000 Rs (70%) is allocated to 'A' drugs.   B Items: Medium-value items consuming moderate budget (~20%). Here, 10,000 Rs out of 50,000 Rs (20%) goes to 'B' drugs.   C Items: Low-value items consuming the remaining small budget (~10%). Here, the remaining 5,000 Rs (10%) goes to 'C' drugs.   

A V fistula

Image
 Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF)   AVF is a communication between an artery and a vein that may be either congenital or acquired (trauma or surgical).   Structurally, they are arterialised (become dilated, tortuous and thick-walled).   Physiologically, there is an increase in venous return (as blood starts flowing from arteries to veins, which causes an increase in cardiac output, which in turn results in an increase in systolic BP, leading to cardiac failure.   On examination, there is a presence of pulsatile swelling, a thrill and auscultation reveals machinery murmur (buzzing continuous murmur).   Nicoladoni's / Branham's sign is observed in AVF: On pressing the artery proximal to the fistula, there is a decrease in the size of the pulsatile mass, disappearance of palpable thrill and decrease in heart rate. Surgically created Arterio-Venous fistula: It is commonly used for patients with end-stage renal disease who require hemodialys...

5 alpha reductase enzyme deficiency

 The presentation of primary amenorrhea with virilisation, clitoromegaly, blind-ended vagina, and Tanner stage 2 pubic hair development, alongside a 46 XY genotype, suggests 5-alpha reductase deficiency.   Definition:   5-alpha reductase deficiency is a condition with a deficiency in the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).   Features:   DHT is crucial for the development of male external genitalia.   Individuals with this deficiency typically have normal testosterone levels because the enzyme defect doesn't affect testosterone production.   At birth, they are often assigned female because they have ambiguous genitalia or appear female externally.  ​During puberty, testosterone levels increase, leading to virilization (e.g., clitoromegaly). ​They usually have a blind-ending vagina and often prepubertal breast development because DHT is important for male genital dev...

5 alpha reductase inhibitors

  5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride and dutasteride) inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thereby reducing DHT levels and lowering serum PSA levels by approximately 50% after 6-12 months of therapy. 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone \rightarrow dihydrotestosterone (DHT) , the more potent androgen responsible for prostatic growth. Inhibition of this enzyme: Decreases intraprostatic DHT levels Shrinks prostate volume Improves urinary flow Reduces the risk of acute urinary retention and need for surgery in BPH Testosterone levels are usually unchanged or may show a slight compensatory increase; they are not significantly reduced. PSA levels typically decrease by about 50% after prolonged therapy. Therefore, in patients taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, the measured PSA should generally be doubled when screening for prostate cancer. Common indications: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Androgenetic alopecia (finaste...

Clinical conditions based on ulcer edges

Image
 

ECG leads facts

Image