Definition Aicardi syndrome is a disorder that occurs almost exclusively in females. It is characterized by three main features that occur together in most affected individuals. People with this syndrome have absent or underdeveloped tissue connecting the left and right halves of the brain (agenesis or dysgenesis of the corpus …
Read More »Acute Liver Failure – Pathophysiology, Risk Factors and Complications
Definition Acute liver failure occurs when many cells in the liver die in a short period of time or the liver becomes damaged. Pediatric liver failure is not as common as liver failure in adults and liver failure in children is typically very rare. If the features occur in individuals …
Read More »Amblyopia or Lazy eye – Types, Complications and Treatment
Definition Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, occurs when one eye becomes weaker than the other during childhood. The brain favors the better eye, thus, allowing the weaker eye to get worse over time. Early screening is important. This is because treatment is more effective when started early. Treatments include …
Read More »Atrial septal defect – Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Definition Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a congenital heart disease in which there is an opening in the wall (the atrial septum) between the heart’s two upper chambers (the right and left atria). An ASD is one of the defects referred to as “a hole in the heart.” Normally, the …
Read More »Atrial flutter – Causes, Types, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Atrial flutter is a type of heartbeat problem (arrhythmia) that usually causes a fast heart rate. This fast rate is caused by changes in the electrical system of your heart. Normally, the heart beats in a strong, steady rhythm. In atrial flutter, a problem with the heart’s electrical system …
Read More »Anal Fistula – Types, Risk Factors, Causes and Treatment
Definition Anal fistula is an abnormal connection or tunnel between two areas in the anorectal region. The most common cause of anal fistulas is from a blocked mucus gland at the anorectal junction. The gland then becomes inflamed, and in an effort to expel its infected contents, expresses itself, usually …
Read More »Angular Cheilitis – Stages, Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment
Definition Angular cheilitis is a medical condition popularly known as “angular stomatitis that is characterized by cracked skin or wounds in the corner of the mouth where the lips meet. It is caused by the overdevelopment of fungi or bacteria, and can happen from habits like constantly licking your lips. …
Read More »Adult-onset Still’s Disease (AOSD) – Definition, Symptoms and Treatment
Definition Adult-onset Still’s disease, sometimes known as AOSD, is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis. As the name suggests, it can only be diagnosed in adults. Its name comes from another condition, Still’s disease, which is also known as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Systemic JIA is only diagnosed in …
Read More »