The Orbit Definition Disease processes can be classified according to the anatomical site involved – this is usually in relation to the rectus muscle pyramid (the ‘cone’) Intraconal (within the muscle cone) Optic nerve glioma Optic nerve meningioma Haemangioma Inflammatory…
Spinal Dysraphism Spinal Dysraphism Definition This is also known as a neural tube defect (NTD), and are a group of congenital spine abnormalities that may cause progressive neurological damage (affecting 1 : 1000 live births) The common feature is an anomaly of…
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…