Cerebellar Malformations Cerebellar Hypoplasia Definition The cerebellum may be small due to a congenital lack of formation or from subsequent atrophy ■ Causes: infection (especially congenital cytomegalovirus) ▸ inborn errors of metabolism (e.g. glycolysation disorder) ■ Other rarer causes: carbohydrate-deficient…
Head Injury Subdural Haemorrhage (SDH) Definition Traumatic bleeding between the dura mater and arachnoid mater ▸ it usually arises from rupture of the veins crossing the subdural space (vault fractures are an uncommon cause) ▸ often associated with brain damage…
Intracranial Infection Brain Abscess Definition A focal encapsulated pus-containing cavity ▸ in immunocompetent patients it is usually due to a streptococcal bacterial infection (multiple in 10–50%) ▪ It usually arises by haematogenous dissemination ▸ it can also occur following penetrating…
Cerebral Ischaemia Cerebral Ischaemia Definition Stroke A sudden persistent neurological deficit of vascular origin Causes Large vessel thromboembolic stroke (40%) Most commonly due to thrombus at the site of atherosclerotic plaque or embolization more distally ▸ sites: carotid bifurcation >…
Imaging Techniques and General Features Computed Tomography NECT Intra-axial tumours: usually of low attenuation on NECT ▸ high attenuation areas within a tumour indicate tumour calcification or recent intratumoural haemorrhage Extra-axial tumours: associated with bone erosion or hyperostosis CECT Improved…
Imaging Techniques in Gynaecology Ultrasound (US) Indications Evaluation of a pelvic mass, uterine enlargement, endometrial abnormalities, ovarian masses or acute pelvic pain ▸ it allows transabdominal and transvaginal guidance of fluid or tissue sampling ▸ it allows transvaginal-guided drain placement…
Introduction Normal Anatomy The breast lies on the chest wall and on the deep pectoral fascia ▸ the superficial pectoral fascia envelops the breast ▸ suspensory ligaments (Cooper's ligaments) connect the two layers 2 components Nipple–areolar complex: ▪ Collecting ducts…
Reticuloendothelial Disorders Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Definition A non-neoplastic proliferation of Langerhans cells Letterer–Siwe disease (acute disseminated histiocytosis) Rare and usually fatal ▸ it affects children <2 years of age ▸ splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and lymphadenopathy with anaemia predominate (patients usually die…
Developmental Skeletal Anomalies Osteochondrodysplasias These are classified into 33 groups (1–33) ▸ abnormalities are intrinsic to bone and cartilage and will continue to evolve throughout life ■ Dysplasias: abnormalities of bone ± cartilage growth ■ Osteodystrophies: abnormalities of bone ±…
Acute Osteomyelitis Acute Osteomyelitis Definition Acute infection of the bone diagnosed within 2 weeks of symptoms (subacute if diagnosed > 2 weeks) ▸ causes: ▪ Staphylococcus aureus : commonest organism in any age group (80%) ▪ Gram-negative organisms ( Pseudomonas/Enterobacter…