Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disorder characterized by recurring, painful ulcers, typically on non-keratinized oral tissues. Though benign and non-contagious, RAS can significantly impair quality of life by affecting eating, speaking, and oral hygiene. It is essential to understand its multifactorial etiology for effective management. Etiology and Risk Factors for Recurrent
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania and depression. While the disorder is widely recognized, there exists a specific subset known as rapid cycling bipolar disorder. This variant is marked by a higher frequency of mood episodes, leading to more significant challenges in management and treatment.
Seborrheic keratosis is a non-cancerous (benign) skin tumor that appears as a raised, wart-like lesion. Often characterized by a rough, scaly surface, seborrheic keratosis is one of the most common skin growths in adults. These growths are typically harmless, but they can cause cosmetic concerns and, in rare cases, may become irritated or inflamed. While
Q fever endocarditis represents a severe and life-threatening manifestation of chronic Coxiella burnetii infection. It predominantly affects individuals with pre-existing heart valve abnormalities, prosthetic valves, or vascular grafts. Due to its subtle clinical presentation and the intracellular persistence of the pathogen, Q fever endocarditis often requires a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis and
Pyridoxine-dependent seizure (PDE) is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that are unresponsive to conventional antiepileptic medications but dramatically responsive to pyridoxine (vitamin B6) supplementation. PDE usually manifests in neonates or infants and, without prompt recognition and treatment, can lead to significant neurodevelopmental impairment. Pathophysiology and Genetic Basis of Pyridoxine-Dependent Seizure
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by painful, rapidly progressing ulcers with undermined borders and surrounding erythema. Although its exact cause remains unclear, pyoderma gangrenosum is considered an autoinflammatory condition often associated with systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and hematologic malignancies. Timely diagnosis and targeted treatment are critical
Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare hematologic syndrome characterized by severe normocytic anemia, reticulocytopenia, and selective absence of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a common B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder in adults, is frequently associated with autoimmune complications. Among these, PRCA represents a serious but uncommon manifestation, likely resulting from
Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare hematologic disorder characterized by a severe reduction or complete absence of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow, while other hematopoietic lineages remain unaffected. The resulting effect is a profound normocytic, normochromic anemia accompanied by reticulocytopenia, in the absence of leukopenia or thrombocytopenia. PRCA may manifest as either
Punctate keratitis is a clinical condition marked by inflammation of the cornea, specifically presenting as multiple small epithelial erosions or opacities. These punctate lesions are most commonly seen on the anterior corneal surface and are detectable through slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fluorescein staining. Although often benign, punctate keratitis can significantly affect visual clarity and ocular comfort,
Punctate epithelial keratopathy (PEK), also known as superficial punctate keratitis (SPK), is a condition characterized by small, dot-like defects or lesions in the corneal epithelium. These lesions are often visible through fluorescein staining during slit-lamp examination and are associated with various ocular surface disorders. Though typically non-infectious, PEK may cause significant ocular discomfort and visual