Splenomegaly is a term that refers to an abnormally enlarged spleen. There are many causes of splenomegaly, the most common of which can be summarised with the mnemonic CHICAGO (below). Splenomegaly…
Introduction Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile duct. It is typically the results of a bacterial infection (often secondary to gallstones), but can also occur in other conditions, such as…
Acute Cholecystitis This is caused by a blockage in the cystic duct or neck of the gallbladder (95% of cases are gallstones or gallstone precursor ‘sludge’) It is unlikely to…
Vitamins A, D, E and K are all stored in the liver, as is vitamin B12. Therefore, in liver damage, storage of these is reduced. Portal circulation Note that there…
Introduction Clostridium Difficile (aka c. diff, c. difficile) is a Gram positive anaerobic spore forming bacteria that is carried in the normal gut fauna of the large intestine in about 5% of the…
Introduction Coeliac disease is a common but often under diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder. Its presentation is often vague and a low level of suspicion should be applied to anybody who presents…
Summary This article refers to cancer of the large bowel. Interestingly, the small bowel is a very rare site for carcinoma, despite the fact it has the highest cell turnover…
Introduction Constipation is a symptom and not a condition. It is most common in women and the elderly. Often it is more like a perception that a real entity. It…
Introduction Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of a lose liquid stool. Urgency, which often accompanies diarrhoea, is the sensation of the need to defecate without delay! Urgency can be…
