1. Introduction Epilepsy represents a chronic neurological disorder characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures, alongside the associated neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of this condition. A seizure is defined as a transient occurrence of signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. The distinction between … Read more
1. Introduction Blood disorders encompass a broad spectrum of conditions affecting the cellular components, plasma proteins, and coagulation pathways of the circulatory system. This chapter focuses on three paradigmatic disorders: hemophilia, a congenital coagulation factor deficiency; leukemia, a malignancy of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow and blood; and lymphoma, a cancer originating in the … Read more
1. Introduction Anemia represents a prevalent clinical condition characterized by a reduction in the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, typically quantified by a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin, red blood cell count, or hematocrit below established reference ranges. This chapter focuses on two etiologically distinct yet clinically significant anemias: iron deficiency anemia, a disorder of … Read more
1. Introduction Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents a critical and potentially fatal manifestation of venous thromboembolism (VTE), characterized by the obstruction of one or more pulmonary arteries by embolic material, most commonly a thrombus originating from the deep veins of the lower extremities. As a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and a major contributor to hospital-acquired … Read more
1. Introduction Deep vein thrombosis represents a critical pathological condition characterized by the formation of a blood clot, or thrombus, within a deep vein, typically in the lower extremities. This process is a primary component of venous thromboembolism, a spectrum of disease that also includes its most feared complication, pulmonary embolism. The formation of an … Read more
1. Introduction Venous disorders represent a spectrum of conditions characterized by impaired return of blood from the periphery to the heart, primarily affecting the lower extremities. These conditions range from cosmetic telangiectasias to debilitating venous ulcers, constituting a significant burden on healthcare systems globally. The underlying pathophysiology involves venous hypertension resulting from valvular incompetence, venous … Read more
1. Introduction A hernia is defined as the abnormal protrusion of an organ or tissue through a defect in the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. This condition represents one of the most common presentations in general surgical practice, with significant implications for patient morbidity and healthcare resource utilization. The fundamental pathophysiology involves … Read more
1. Introduction Appendicitis is defined as an acute inflammation of the vermiform appendix, a blind-ending tubular structure arising from the cecum. It represents one of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain requiring surgical intervention worldwide. The condition spans a clinical spectrum from simple, uncomplicated inflammation to complicated disease characterized by perforation, abscess formation, … Read more
1. Introduction Gallbladder disease, predominantly manifesting as cholelithiasis, represents a significant clinical and economic burden on global healthcare systems. The condition encompasses a spectrum of disorders originating from the presence of calculi within the gallbladder or biliary tree, which may lead to inflammation, infection, obstruction, and severe complications. An understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, risk … Read more
1. Introduction The pancreas is a vital organ with dual endocrine and exocrine functions, integral to metabolic homeostasis and digestive physiology. Pancreatitis, defined as inflammation of the pancreatic parenchyma, represents a significant clinical entity with a spectrum ranging from mild, self-limiting episodes to severe, life-threatening systemic illness. The management of pancreatic disorders necessitates a sophisticated … Read more