Diseases & Conditions

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the lining of medium and large arteries. Most commonly, it impacts the arteries in the head, particularly those around the temples. GCA can lead to significant health issues if left untreated, including vision loss. Let’s delve into the specifics of this condition.

Craniopharyngioma is a rare, noncancerous brain tumor that originates near the pituitary gland. It arises from remnants of Rathke’s pouch, an embryonic structure involved in pituitary development. Although benign, craniopharyngiomas can cause significant morbidity due to their location near critical brain structures.

CJD is characterized by changes in mental abilities, rapid deterioration, and ultimately death. Although it shares some symptoms with Alzheimer’s disease, CJD progresses much faster. Most cases of CJD are sporadic, meaning they occur without any identifiable risk factors. However, a small percentage of cases are hereditary due to mutations in the prion protein gene.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a heartbreaking phenomenon where an apparently healthy baby unexpectedly dies during sleep.SIDS refers to the sudden, unexplained death of an infant under one year old. Despite extensive research, the exact cause remains elusive.Infants often succumb to SIDS while sleeping, earning it the nickname “crib death.” The brainstem, responsible for breathing control and arousal during sleep, plays a crucial role.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It falls under the category of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Named after Dr. Burrill B. Crohn, who first described it in 1932, this condition can cause significant discomfort and impact daily life. The inflammation can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, but it most commonly affects the small intestine.

Croup, medically known as laryngotracheobronchitis, is a contagious respiratory infection that primarily affects infants and young children. It leads to inflammation and narrowing of the upper airway, causing characteristic symptoms such as a barking cough and difficulty breathing. While most cases are mild, severe episodes can be life-threatening.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating chronic pain condition that primarily affects an arm or a leg. It is characterized by severe pain, swelling, changes in skin temperature, and abnormal hair and nail growth.

Cryoglobulinemia is a rare condition characterized by the presence of cryoglobulins in the serum. These cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins that precipitate at temperatures below normal body temperature (37°C) and redissolve upon rewarming. The clinical presentation and underlying disease triggering cryoglobulin formation can vary significantly.

An undescended testicle occurs when one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum before birth. Typically, the testicles form in the unborn baby’s lower belly and then move down into the scrotum during the last few months of pregnancy. Let’s delve deeper into this condition.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a vital component of the central nervous system (CNS). It surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing essential functions for their protection, nourishment, and waste removal. Let’s explore CSF in detail.

Anatomy and Production

1. Secretion:

   • The choroid plexus, located within the ventricles of the brain, actively produces CSF. Choroid cells transport ions and other substances from the blood into the ventricles.
   • The blood-brain barrier (BBB) ensures that harmful substances do not enter the brain tissue.

2. Circulation:

   • CSF flows through specific pathways:
     • From the lateral ventricles, it passes through the interventricular foramen (of Monro) into the third ventricle.
     • Through the cerebral aqueduct (of Sylvius), it reaches the fourth ventricle.
     • Some CSF enters the central canal of the spinal cord, while most exits through the apertures of the fourth ventricle.
   • Approximately 600–700 ml of CSF is produced daily, replacing the entire volume around 4 times per day.

3. Absorption:

   • Arachnoid granulations (villi) protrude into venous sinuses, allowing CSF reabsorption into the bloodstream.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of cancer that originates in white blood cells known as T cells (T lymphocytes). These T cells typically play a crucial role in our immune system’s defense against infections and diseases.

Peyronie’s disease, also known as induratio penis plastica, is a condition characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue (plaque) within the deeper tissues of the penis. This scar tissue causes the penis to curve or bend during erections, leading to pain and potential complications. Although it’s not caused by cancer, Peyronie’s disease can significantly impact a man’s quality of life.

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. While the spine typically has a gentle S-shaped curve when viewed from the side, scoliosis causes it to deviate to the right or left. Here are some key points about scoliosis:

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body is exposed to excessive levels of cortisol for an extended period. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. However, when cortisol levels become chronically elevated, it leads to a range of symptoms and complications.

Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL) is a rare type of cancer that originates in the white blood cells, specifically B cells or B lymphocytes. Unlike other lymphomas that primarily affect lymph nodes, CBCL specifically targets the skin. It manifests as various skin lesions, which can be mistaken for rashes or bumps. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of CBCL.