Systemic dermatomyositis is a chronic, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by distinctive cutaneous manifestations and progressive symmetrical proximal muscle weakness. As a multisystem autoimmune disease, it predominantly affects adults and children alike, with particular prevalence among women aged 40–60 years. Early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment significantly influence long-term outcomes and reduce morbidity. Pathogenesis
Systemic cryptococcosis, primarily caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, represents a severe fungal infection that often manifests as cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. This life-threatening condition frequently affects immunocompromised individuals, notably those with advanced HIV/AIDS, solid organ transplants, or hematologic malignancies. While antifungal agents remain the cornerstone of therapy, adjunctive strategies are crucial to improve survival, manage
Systemic candidiasis, also referred to as invasive candidiasis, is a life-threatening fungal infection primarily caused by Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and the multidrug-resistant C. auris. It predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs), and those with central venous catheters or recent broad-spectrum
Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) is a rare but aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), classified under mature peripheral T-cell lymphomas. It is characterized by large, pleomorphic lymphoid cells expressing CD30—a critical diagnostic and therapeutic marker. sALCL comprises two major clinical and molecular subtypes based on the presence or absence of an anaplastic lymphoma
Syphilis is a chronic, systemic sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease progresses in distinct clinical stages, each with its own manifestations and complications. Left untreated, syphilis can lead to severe neurological, cardiovascular, and systemic consequences. Despite the availability of effective antibiotic treatments, syphilis remains a significant public health concern
Synovitis due to osteoarthritis represents a secondary inflammatory process within the synovial membrane triggered by mechanical and biochemical degeneration of articular cartilage. While osteoarthritis (OA) has traditionally been viewed as a non-inflammatory joint disease, recent evidence highlights the pivotal role of low-grade synovial inflammation in symptom progression, joint dysfunction, and cartilage breakdown. Synovitis amplifies the
Synovitis refers to the inflammation of the synovial membrane, a specialized connective tissue lining the inner surface of joints and tendon sheaths. This condition results in excess synovial fluid production, leading to joint swelling, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Synovitis can be an isolated pathology or a manifestation of systemic autoimmune disorders. Most commonly, it
Synovial sarcoma is a rare and aggressive soft tissue malignancy that arises from mesenchymal cells. Despite its name, it does not originate from synovial tissue but is most commonly located near joints in the extremities, particularly in the lower limbs. It accounts for approximately 5–10% of all soft tissue sarcomas and frequently affects adolescents and
Streptococcal endocarditis, a subset of infective endocarditis (IE), predominantly affects native heart valves and is most commonly caused by viridans group streptococci (VGS), Streptococcus bovis, and occasionally β-hemolytic streptococci. These low-virulence organisms enter the bloodstream via mucosal surfaces, especially oral or gastrointestinal tracts, and adhere to damaged or prosthetic valves. While subacute in presentation, untreated
Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection that frequently leads to complications such as necrotizing pneumonia, bacteremia, and respiratory failure. The prevalence of both methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains has elevated the complexity of treatment. Standard monotherapy often proves inadequate, particularly in high-inoculum lung infections or when biofilm-producing strains are involved. In this