Cholesterol Cholesterol belongs to the family of lipids, or fats, is one of the components of the cell membrane and is found in the blood and all tissues. Although it is essential for building healthy cells in physiological quantities, when circulating levels are high, it is one of the main factors of ...
What is aldosterone Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal gland, the adrenal gland, from cholesterol. It is the main hormone produced in the first part of the cortical portion of the adrenal gland, called the glomerular zone. What aldosterone is used for: metabolism and functions Unlike most of the cortical tissue of the ...
Orthopantomography What is orthopantomography - OPT By orthopantomography or orthopanoramic, or OPT, we mean a particular type of radiography, for the study of dental arches. It is a real dental x-ray, which includes all the teeth, which is why it is also called a dental panoramic. To perform an orthopantomography not ...
Ferritin: normal, high and low values What is ferritin? S-ferritin is a protein contained mainly in the following organs: liver, spleen, skeleton and bone marrow. Ferritin can contain up to 4,500 iron ions, in the state of ferrous ion (Fe3 +). It represents the main form of deposit of ...
¿Qué es RDW? What does RDW mean? RDW means Red Cell Distribution Width (Ancho de distribución de glóbulos rojos) and indicates the amplitud de la distribución de los erythrocitos. It represents one of the parámetros del conteo sanguíneo, que es el análisis de sangre más clásico. ¿Para qué sirve RDW? El ...
What is hematocrit What does hematocrit mean? The hematocrit (also called Ht or HCT) is one of the parameters that can be found commonly in a blood test and represents the percentage of the volume of circulating blood (expressed in ml) occupied by the volume of erythrocytes (also expressed it in ml). So ...
Complete blood count with formula What is complete blood count? The term blood count is the commonly used abbreviation for blood count. The latter is a routine test that is carried out on a blood sample of a person whose values of some important constituent components of the blood itself are to be checked. Complete blood count with formula ...
MCV What does MCV mean? What is MCV? MCV is the English acronym for mean corpuscular volume, in Italian mean globular volume or mean globular value. It is a parameter found in the blood count that indicates the average value of the volume of red blood cells, or erythrocytes. It is important not to confuse the cell volume ...
What is RDW? What does RDW mean? RDW stands for Red Cell Distribution Width, and indicates the width of the erythrocyte distribution. It represents one of the parameters of the blood count, that is the most classic blood test. What is RDW used for? The RDW allows to evaluate the degree of anisocytosis, that is the variations of the ...
What is pericarditis Pericarditis is an inflammatory disease of the pericardium, the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, and can be present even without myocardial or endocardial involvement. Pericarditis can have bacterial or viral infectious causes, moreover it can arise in association or as a side effect of systemic pathological processes ....
Thyroid Ultrasound: Definition Thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound is also identified as ultrasound of the neck and lymph nodes. In fact, both tests study the thyroid gland, the lymph nodes of the neck and, to a limited extent, the vessels of the neck. It is an examination that uses the ultrasound emitted ...
What is the protidogram? Protein electrophoresis, also defined as protein electrophoresis or protidogram, is a particular analytical technique based on the different migration speed of electrically charged particles dispersed in a gelled solution of agarose, under the effect of an electric field applied to the system by means of a pair of electrodes. In...
What is FSH? What does FSH stand for? FSH, whose acronym means follicle stimulating hormone, is a gonadotropin, a hormone involved in the regulation of both female (ovary) and male (testes) gonads and, more generally, of the reproductive system. FSH is not the only gonadotropin, in fact, it acts together with LH (luteinizing hormone). These...
Qué es el factor rheumatoid? The rheumatoid factor (acrónimo FR) is an anticuerpo, or glicoproteína producida por las células plasmáticas, llamado así porque a menudo se associa with “rheumatoid artritis” (pathología autoinmune frecuente en las mujeres). Los anticuerpos, or inmunoglobulinas, son pequeñas glicoproteínas simétricas, compuestas de cuatro cadenas ...
What is rheumatoid factor Rheumatoid factor (abbreviation FR) is an antibody, that is a glycoprotein produced by plasma cells, so called because it is often associated with rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease frequent in women). Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are small symmetrical glycoproteins, composed of four two-by-two symmetrical peptide chains ...
What is pneumococcus or streptococcus pneumonie? Pneumococcus, or streptococcus pneumoniae, is a Gram positive bacterium, one of the most frequent pathogenic bacteria for humans, responsible for pneumonia and meningitis. What does Gram-positive mean? Human pathogenic bacteria are classified in many ways; one of them is coloring ...
Abdomen ultrasound The abdominal ultrasound or echo abdomen, less commonly called ultrasonography or ultrasound of the abdomen, is a first level examination based on the use of ultrasound probes to study the anatomy and alterations of the abdominal organs. Physical principles For the physical principles of ultrasound, see the relevant page on ultrasound ....
Oxygen saturation What is blood saturation and what is it for In healthcare, when we speak generically of oxygen saturation in the blood (SaO2 or SpO2) we mean the ratio, expressed as a percentage, between the hemoglobin linked to oxygen and the total hemoglobin circulating within arterial blood vessels ....
What is troponin Troponin is a protein complex that constitutes the heart and skeletal muscle, in fact the smooth muscle lacks it. The troponin complex is critical for the actin-myosin mediated calcium interaction underlying muscle contraction. Troponin is defined as cardiac enzyme, cardiac marker or index of myocardiocytolysis, ...
What is hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is a pathological condition due to the presence of elevated thyroid hormone levels in the blood, due to an increase in function and production by the thyroid gland. It is a more frequent pathology in women and, among the thyroid disorders, it is the one that has the ...
What is creatinine? Creatinine is a molecule present in the blood (creatininemia) and in the urine (creatinuria), which is obtained from the degradation of creatinine phosphate. Creatinine is measured by a simple blood draw and is commonly used to evaluate the kidney function of our body. High values ...
What is mycoplasma Mycoplasma are ubiquitous bacteria of very small size, so much so that they are considered as the smallest cells capable of autonomous life. The Mycoplasmataceae family includes the genera Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma; in common usage, however, speaking of mycoplasma refers to both ...
Renal cysts Renal cysts are benign lesions formed by collections of fluid within the kidney. These are real "pockets" of liquid, which represent a very widespread problem in the population. They are often found during radiographic examinations, more often performed for other reasons, constituting an incidental finding ....
What is hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome caused by an inability of the thyroid gland, an "H" shaped endocrine gland inside our neck, to synthesize its hormones. These hormones are called triiodothyronine (or T3) and thyroxine (T4), they are synthesized from iodine and play numerous roles in ...
What is the aortic valve What is the aortic valve? The aortic valve, also called aortic semilunar valve, is a heart valve that allows blood flow from the heart to the body's circulatory system. The aortic valve is formed by 3 flaps (cusps) and has an average diameter of 20 mm. For...
Mitral Prolapse What is Mitral Prolapse Mitral prolapse refers to an abnormality in which one or both flaps of the mitral valve travel into the left atrium during systole. This condition does not compromise the operation of the valve. Quickly reviewing the anatomy of the heart ...
Bursitis What is bursitis? Bursitis is an inflammatory process of the serous bursa of a joint. Serous bursae are sacs of tissue filled with synovial fluid that are found in the tendons and joints of the body. There are over 150 bags in the human body, and when these are healthy they create a ...
Lung cancer Lung cancer is a neoplasm that develops in the respiratory system, starting from the cells that make up the bronchi, bronchioles or alveoli. Therefore, there is not just one type of lung cancer, but different types of disease depending on the lung tissue involved. Furthermore, the lung can represent ...
Spina bifida What is spina bifida? Spina bifida is a serious malformation of the spine, also called the rachis or spinal column, which exists since birth and originates during the first stage of pregnancy. It is a rare malformation (it affects about one newborn in every 8000), for which there are specific ...
What is COPD COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the lungs. It occurs more frequently in smokers over 40 years of age. It is common to wonder what the precise meaning of this name is: ...
PSA - Prostate Specific Antigen What is PSA? Prostate Specific Antigen - or PSA, Prostate Specific Antigen - is a glycoprotein produced exclusively by the cells of the prostate gland and secreted into seminal fluid. Its function is to liquefy the seminal fluid more, to allow the spermatozoa a ...
Polycystic Kidney What is Polycystic Kidney Renal polycystosis (or polycystic kidney disease) is a genetic disease characterized by the development of renal cysts. Cysts develop in both kidneys (they are therefore bilateral) and alter their normal anatomical structure, thereby damaging their function as well ....
Platelets (also called thrombocytes or PLT) are corpuscular elements of the blood that are responsible for blocking blood loss in case of vascular lesions through the process of haemostasis and coagulation. What are platelets? Platelets, with an average life of 10 days, are produced ...
Aortic insufficiency What is aortic insufficiency With the term aortic insufficiency we mean a pathology affecting the aortic valve, a branch of communication between the heart and the body, for which this is not able to close perfectly causing a reflux (in technical term defined as regurgitation) of blood in the ventricle ...
Dupuytren's disease What is Dupuytren's disease? Dupuytren's disease, or Dupuytren's contracture, is a pathology of the hand linked to the formation of fibrous tissue that thickens under the skin of the palm of the hand, leading to retraction of the tendons and partial flexion of the fingers ....
What is simple and global spirometry? Spirometry is a fundamental investigation technique in the field of pulmonology, used for numerous functions. Spirometry is one of the most important respiratory function tests and allows, in fact, to detect some parameters related to the respiratory function of the subject who performs it, ...
Encephalitis What is encephalitis? Encephalitis is inflammation that affects the brain, what is commonly called the brain. It is a very serious condition of the nervous system that needs immediate treatment at the time of diagnosis, but it is also a very rare condition, as it more easily affects people with an immune system ...
Kidney stones Kidney stones are poorly soluble constituents, forming part of the urine, which precipitate there forming crystalline clusters of varying sizes. Their presence can damage the urinary tract and obstruct the normal flow of urine, resulting in a clinical picture called kidney stones or urolithiasis. Origin, composition, ...
Aortic stenosis (AS) What is aortic stenosis? The term aortic stenosis indicates a narrowing of the aortic valve orifice which represents a bridge between the left ventricle and the aorta, the arterial trunk that carries blood throughout the body. Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common pathology ...
Homocysteine What is homocysteine? What is homocysteine? Homocysteine is an amino acid obtained from methionine, through a process of demethylation (loss of a methyl group). Methionine is also a sulfur amino acid, called essential, as the body is unable to synthesize it. The importance of methionine is closely associated with ...
Bladder cancer What is bladder cancer and epidemiology Bladder cancer is an overgrowth of cells in the bladder wall. The meaning of the terms tumor, neoplasm or cancer are equivalent, so in the article they will all be used to refer to the same bladder pathology. Cancer at ...
Scintigraphy Scintigraphy is a nuclear medicine investigation, and is based on the injection of radiopharmaceuticals and the subsequent reconstruction of an image by exploiting the radioactive decay of the injected substances. Physical principles The radiopharmaceuticals used in scintigraphy can vary according to the application of the examination (for example, technetium is used in scintigraphy ...
Mitral valve What is the mitral valve The mitral valve is one of the four valves found within the heart, together with the aortic valve, triscuspid valve and pulmonary valve. The mitral valve allows the passage of arterial blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle, preventing the reflux towards the atrium and allowing the ...
Narcissism or Narcissistic Personality Disorder Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by grandiosity, a need for admiration and a lack of empathy. It is classified in axis II of the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders, to which all personality disorders belong. Other mental disorders (mood disorders, schizophrenia, etc.), ...
Cyclothymia What is cyclothymia? Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a chronic, milder form of bipolar disorder. With the latter, in fact, it falls within the spectrum of mood disorders and differs from it for chronicity and the lower intensity of symptoms. It is classified, with dysthymia (chronic mild depression), ...
PET - Positron Emission Tomography What is PET PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is an imaging technique that quantifies radioactivity in the body. It uses the injection of radiopharmaceuticals into the body to study their accumulation in organs and pathological tissues. It can therefore be defined as an imaging method ...
LDH - Lactic dehydrogenase What is lactic dehydrogenase (LDH)? Lactic dehydrogenase or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of glucose, a carbohydrate essential for the functioning of our body. It is localized in different tissues, but mainly at the level of: skeletal muscles in the liver ...
Prostate cancer What is prostate cancer Prostate cancer means an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland, and in particular with malignant characteristics; it is the second cause of cancer mortality after lung cancer, although it is more frequent than this ...
Myasthenia gravis What is minasthenia gravis Myasthenia gravis, also called myasthenia gravis or simply myasthenia gravis, is an autoimmune disease characterized from a clinical point of view by ocular symptoms, abnormal fatigue and a progressive weakness of the voluntary muscles, whose ability to contract is runs out quickly following the ...
Head trauma When we talk about head trauma, in English Traumatic Brain Injury (or TBI), we mean all those conditions in which the skull is hit or hits an object or surface (the classic "hit on the head") causing some kind of damage to the skull, brain or ...
Dysthymia or dysthymic disorder What is dysthymia? Dysthymic disorder (formerly known as depressive neurosis or simply dysthymia) is a chronic and milder form of depression, a disease that is part of mood disorders. When it comes to dysthymia, the depressive episode is continuous (it can last for years) and involves more aspects of the life of those who are ...
MRI or MRI What is MRI? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), also called nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI), is an advanced imaging method, very expensive and with long execution times, which vary depending on the part of the body examined. It does not use ionizing radiation, but magnetic fields and radio waves. The principles of ...
Vitamin K - Phytomenadione Definition, structure and chemical forms As per the definition of all substances called "vitamins", phytomenadione is a molecule that must be introduced into the body from the outside, as the human body is unable to synthesize it from other molecules. With the term "vitamin K", in ...
Lipases What are lipases? Lipases are hydrolytic enzymes that mediate the breakdown (hydrolysis) of dietary lipids. Triglycerides are thus broken down by lipases into fatty acids and glycerol; some of the intermediate metabolites of this process are diglycerides (or diacylglycerol) and monoglycerides (or monoacylglycerol). What are lipids? Lipids are fundamental molecules for ...
Pleural effusion What are pleurae? Before we start talking about pleural effusion, it is necessary to clarify what pleurae are. They are a kind of sac that surrounds each of the two lungs. They consist of two sheets: one visceral which is tightly attached to the lung, and one ...
Mesentery What is the Mesentery? If you had asked us this question a little over a year ago, we would have answered you: it is a fold of the peritoneum, in which blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves flow, which anchors the small intestine (or small intestine) to the posterior wall of the abdomen, allowing peristaltic movements ...
Cerebral haemorrhage or haemorrhagic stroke Cerebral haemorrhage is a pathology of the cerebro-vascular district corresponding to a leak of blood from a vessel of the brain, be it arterial or venous, which causes bleeding inside the skull. This blood extravasation causes severe and rapidly progressive neurological deficits in a very short time ...
Blood coagulation What is the coagulation process and what is it for Coagulation is a process that starts, in certain circumstances, starting from specific elements contained in the blood and which leads to the formation of protein complexes called clots. Under normal conditions, coagulation is one of ...
Peritoneum Features and functions What is the peritoneum? The peritoneum is a serous membrane, which is an epithelial tissue formed by a layer of very thin cells, called mesothelium. This type of tissue is present only in the walls of three cavities of our body: in the pleura, which covers the lungs, in the pericardium, which covers the heart, and precisely in the abdomen, ...
Amylases What are amylases? Amylases are enzymes involved in the breakdown process of carbohydrates. They are divided into salivary amylase and pancreatic amylase. The first, produced by the salivary glands, represents about 60% of the total, the second, typically pancreatic, represents about 40%. Salivary amylase has a fleeting action, as it comes early ...
Ultrasonography Ultrasound, also called ultrasound or ultrasound, is considered a first-level examination because it is cheap, widely available and does not expose patients to ionizing radiation. In addition to its diagnostic use, it can be used as a guide for biopsies or for interventional purposes. It's a simple exam to perform but ...
Cerebral ischemic stroke Ischemic stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the brain due to the occlusion of an artery, which causes insufficient oxygen and nutrient transport to that organ, followed by the death of its cells. This condition can cause symptoms that depend on the type of vessel affected ...
CT or CT: Computed Axial Tomography What does CT mean? The acronym TC means Computed Tomography, the acronym TAC (Computed Axial Tomography) even if commonly in use, it is to be considered obsolete, since the machines used today no longer perform Axial scans, but Spirals, multiplanar. Tomography is defined as computerized because it is integrated by ...
High Potassium or Hyperkalaemia The finding of high potassium in the blood is defined by the scientific terms of hyperkalaemia or hyperkalemia. The causes are many and range from an increased intake of potassium in the diet, to a reduced elimination of potassium in the urine, to an exaggerated release of potassium ...
Hyponatremia or hyponatremia The finding of low sodium in the blood takes the scientific name of hyponatremia or hyponatremia. Sodium is a mineral salt, and is the main ion present in the bloodstream. The presence of a reduced sodium may be caused by a reduced sodium intake or, ...
Anemia is a very common condition. The diagnosis is made through the analysis of the blood count: the finding of low hemoglobin, low red blood cells or low hematocrit on blood tests means suffering from anemia. The main causes of anemia are macrocytic and iron deficiency anemias, hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. The main symptoms of anemia are skin paleness, fatigue ...
Bronchitis Bronchitis is a widespread inflammatory pathology affecting the bronchial tree and which can be acute, short-lived, or chronic, with persistent symptoms. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, by viruses, but it also knows harmful inhalants such as smoke or other irritating gases, as in ...
Pneumonia Pneumonia is an inflammatory disease that can involve one or both lungs. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or other pathogens, and the main symptoms are cough, fever, difficulty in breathing and a feeling of discomfort or pain in the chest. It can be cured and the treatment ...
Cystitis Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder wall that can lead to continuous discomfort and a feeling of urgency in the act of urinating. Cystitis usually results from a bacterial infection of the first part of the urinary tract and is a fairly common pathology. Even if cystitis ...
The finding of low neutrophilic granulocytes (more properly: low granulocytes or neutropenia) is not uncommon, and is often accompanied by the presence of low leukocytes (leukopenia), since neutrophils are the main components of white blood cells together with lymphocytes. The causes of low neutrophils are mainly disorders of bone marrow production, neoplasms, but also drugs, acute inflammatory states and ...
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is very common, and often occurs asymptomatically. In a small percentage of cases it manifests with symptoms with fever, lymphadenomegaly, enlargement of the spleen and liver and alteration of transaminases. Contagion occurs by direct transmission or through body fluids. Disease in people ...
Diverticula are small dilations of the intestinal wall, mainly affecting the colon and sigma. Most people with diverticular disease, better known as diverticulosis, have few or no symptoms at all. In some cases, however, the symptoms are present and include symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation ...
Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreatic gland or pancreas. There may be acute pancreatitis, i.e. short-lived but often very severe, or chronic pancreatitis, with less severe but lasting symptoms. The main symptoms are abdominal pain, which gets worse after eating and ...
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that involves the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Urinary infection, commonly called cystitis, is a very common pathology that often runs asymptomatic. The main causes are ...
Cirrhosis is the consequence of progressive and irreversible damage to the liver. The damage causes liver tissue to scar (fibrosis) and form abnormal structures, such as regenerative nodules. All this leads to insufficient liver function and a severe prognosis. Causes of ...
Pulmonary embolism is partial or total obstruction of the pulmonary artery and / or its branches. Since this is a serious and risky disease, it is advisable not to underestimate the symptoms and immediately consult a doctor or a health facility to reduce the risk of serious complications. This text does not have the ...
Rubella is an infectious, contagious disease caused by the Rubivirus. The infection is transmitted through saliva and other secretions of the respiratory system, the incubation is about 2-3 weeks, it is contagious in the week preceding the appearance of the rash and for the following 6-14 days. Symptoms are mainly cutaneous - rash -, fever, malaise ...
Infectious mononucleosis is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes mononucleosis, Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is transmitted through saliva, and can then be transmitted through kissing. you can also be exposed to the infection through coughing or sneezing, or simply by sharing ...
Mumps Mumps, commonly called by the name of "mumps", is a disease caused by a virus belonging to the genus of Paramyxovirus, a member of the family of Paramyxoviridae. Mumps is widespread all over the world, it is frequent especially in school-age subjects (5-14 years) but can affect people ...
Measles is an infectious disease caused by a virus belonging to the Morbillivirus genus, a highly contagious virus that can infect people of all ages, whose transmission occurs through droplets of saliva or secretions. It is part of the exanthematous diseases, and can cause symptoms ranging from ...
Chickenpox is a disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus which belongs to the Herpesvirus family. In English it is called chickenpox, and it is a common and highly contagious pathology and can affect all susceptible individuals, the peak of incidence occurs in the pediatric age, more than 90% of cases in fact affects ...
Percutaneous transluminary angioplasty (PTA) is a medical technique that allows a portion of a partially obstructed blood vessel to be ballooned, usually due to atherosclerotic plaques. Angioplasty is used above all in hemodynamic cardiology to dilate narrowed or occluded coronary arteries (PTCA), both in emergency ...
Pertussis is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by the Gram negative bacillus Bordetella Pertussis. In the past it was called "whooping cough" or "canine cough" or "donkey cough" due to the characteristics of coughing fits. The Bordetella parapertusissis bacterium belongs to the same family, is less common and causes disease ...
Polyposis Polyp: what is polyposis In medicine, polyposis is a pathology characterized by the presence of several polyps on a mucous or serous surface, although cases of polyposis on synovial connective tissues are not rare. The polyp is an outgrowth, a neoformation, which usually has a benign character ...
Influenza is an infectious disease caused by the Influenzavirus, with a seasonal nature and a high degree of contagiousness. It is one of the main diseases that characterize the autumn and winter period, and is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, bone pain - arthralgia -, muscle pain - myalgia -, sweats ....
Coronary angiography (CNG) is a test used to study the coronary arteries, that is, the arteries that feed the heart muscle with oxygenated blood.In case of obstruction of the coronary arteries, the heart can undergo myocardial ischemia, which manifests itself with signs and symptoms of ...
Peritonitis is an inflammatory process, which can be acute, and therefore limited in time, or chronic, of the peritoneum, the thin and transparent serous membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, as well as the organs it contains.
Abdominal swelling Do you have a swollen belly and would like to understand what it depends on and, above all, how to solve this annoying problem? Then you have come to the right address: in this article you will find the most frequent causes of abdominal swelling and the main remedies that can be implemented.
Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids are venous gavoccioli (small swellings) located near the anal sphincter. Hemorrhoids originate from the internal and external hemorrhoidal plexuses, configuring respectively the internal and external hemorrhoids, and normally do not give particular symptoms. In some conditions, however, they can swell, giving an unpleasant ...
Albumin is the main protein produced by the liver, and it is a very important substance for the body. Albumin has many functions including the maintenance of oncotic pressure (avoiding water retention and declining edema), the transport of waste substances, hormones, drugs and many other metabolites, the maintenance of a Ph ...
Lansoprazole Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug used to counteract stomach acid. It is normally used in the treatment of gastritis and duodenitis, of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer, and in the gastric protection in patients who take ...
Chronic Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also called chronic autoimmune thyroiditis or lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland, and is a very common disease. In fact, it represents the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism in adults, and is secondary to an autoimmune process that affects the thyroid tissue. Symptoms of ...
Thyroiditis is an inflammatory process affecting the thyroid gland. De Quervain's thyroiditis, or subacute thyroiditis, is a pathology with likely viral genesis, characterized by fever, pain and swelling in the neck at the thyroid gland. It is characterized by an initial hyperthyroidism, followed by a transient hypothyroidism, ...
Hypopituitarism is a medical condition characterized by the reduction or complete absence of production of pituitary hormones, that is, the substances produced by the pituitary gland. Panpipopituitarism is the most severe form of pituitary deficiency, as it manifests itself in the complete absence of pituitary hormone secretion.
Silent postpartum thyroiditis or post-pregnancy thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease affecting the thyroid gland, which occurs 2 to 18 months after giving birth, and affects one in every 20 women after pregnancy. It usually manifests with an initial hyperthyroidism followed by a phase ...
FEOCHROMOCYTOMA Pheochromocytoma is a tumor producing catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) and represents a rare cause of hypertension: however, its recognition is extremely important as the disease is susceptible to resolutive surgical therapy. It is a tumor that affects cells of neuroectodermal derivation, that is, coming from ...
Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid gland. There are many types of thyroiditis, each with a different course and cause. During thyroiditis there may be periods of increased release of thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis with hyperthyroidism), but usually most inflammatory pathologies of the thyroid lead to the development ...
The thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in the human body, located in the neck and has a bilobed, butterfly-like shape. The thyroid gland is made up of cells called thyrocytes, which produce two main types of hormones: the thyroid hormones proper, and calcitonin. The...
High urea or uremia Very often we hear about urea, which is a parameter that must be kept under control in order to evaluate the correct functionality of the kidneys. In fact, doctors frequently recommend urea analysis which is a test of fundamental importance to evaluate the correct functioning of the kidneys. Important feature ...
EXTERNAL HEMORROIDS We speak of external hemorrhoids when the hemorrhoids protrude from the anal canal and are visible to the naked eye. There are many people between 45 and 65 years of age living in developed countries who suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in their lives ....
INTERNAL HEMORROIDS What are internal hemorrhoids? Internal hemorrhoids are represented by dilation of the hemorrhoidal veins that form vascularized pads, present inside the anal wall, whose role is to ensure the correct functioning of continence. They are therefore naturally present in the human organism and usually their ...
The monotest is a rapid test for the diagnosis of mononucleosis, an infectious disease caused by the Epstein Barr virus (EBV). A positive monotest, in the presence of typical symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite and swollen lymph nodes, is highly indicative of the presence of mononucleosis.
High hemoglobin is a frequently found finding in blood tests. The finding of elevated hemoglobin values is associated with a state of dehydration, the presence of chronic lung diseases or the use of erythropoietin-based substances in athletes.
Hemoglobin is a substance contained in red blood cells, absolutely essential for life, as it absorbs the oxygen introduced into the body with breathing, and transports it to the organs that use it for energy.
Scarlet fever is an acute infectious disease typical of the pediatric age. It is on average contagious and has quite important symptoms with high and debilitating fever and a typical skin rash with red dots on the trunk and face, however if it is taken in time it does not cause major complications or suffering at ...
The finding of high blood glucose is a frequent finding, especially in adults or the elderly. Having high fasting blood glucose values does not automatically mean being diabetic, even if it is an alarm bell that must lead to further investigation. The main causes of hyperglycemia are type 2 diabetes mellitus ...
BUN indicates the amount of nitrogen present in the blood. The causes of high blood urea are mainly acute and chronic renal failure and the presence of a high-protein diet. The most frequent symptoms of azotemia are fluid accumulation, fatigue and lack of appetite.
Microalbuminuria means the presence of a fair amount of albumin in the urine. The finding of microalbuminuria does not indicate the presence of severe kidney damage, but it is still an alarm bell regarding the state of health.
Uric acid is a substance present in our blood, which derives from the degradation of nitrogenous bases, the building blocks of the DNA present in our cells, like all animal or plant cells. The term uricemia indicates the concentration of uric acid in the blood. The main causes of acid ...
Low uric acid is rare and usually not of concern. The main causes of reduced uric acid are increased renal elimination, often due to concomitant drug therapy, or reduced urate production due to rare genetic disorders, particular drugs or ...
Bilirubin is a waste substance of the body, which results from the breakdown of hemoglobin. A high bilirubin can result from the presence of problems with the liver (hepatitis, cirrhosis) or with the biliary tract (obstruction or infection of the gallbladder and bile ducts, causing direct hyperbilirubinemia). An increase in indirect bilirubin on the other hand is frequently ...
Folic acid (vitamin B9) is an important substance for our body, necessary for the construction of new cells. Folic acid is in fact involved in the synthesis of purines, basic nitrogenous bases for the construction of the double helix of DNA. For this reason it is part of the therapy in megaloblastic anemias, together with the ...
The finding of low hemoglobin on blood tests means suffering from anemia. Hemoglobin is essential for carrying oxygen from peripheral blood to body tissues. The main causes of low hemoglobin are macrocytic and iron deficiency anemias, hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. The main symptoms of ...
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver, it has important functions such as maintaining the balance of body fluids and transporting substances in the blood. The finding of low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) is usually indicative of malnutrition or liver or kidney disease. The symptoms of low albumin are manifold, including edema, decline ...
Do you have red spots on your skin or red spots on your skin that you have never noticed before? Are you worried or worried, have no idea what it may be and are you afraid that it could be melanoma or another type of skin cancer? Well this is the right article ...
Mononucleosis is an infectious, contagious disease caused by the infection of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which attacks our organism, especially the B lymphocytes. Infectious mononucleosis is often called the Kissing Disease, as it is one of the vectors main contagion is saliva.
Mononucleosis is an infectious, contagious, usually acute and short-lived disease of viral aetiology characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy), enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), increased white blood cells (leukocytosis) and presence in the circulation of atypical mononuclear cells.
The finding of high prolactin on blood tests is a condition called hyperpolactinemia. The main symptoms of high prolactin are galactorrhea and decreased sexual desire in men, and infertility in women. The causes of high prolactin are related to the presence of a pregnancy or a pituitary adenoma that produces ...
Low lymphocytes or lymphopenia: main symptoms and causes The finding of low lymphocytes (lymphopenia or lymphocytopenia) is less common than lymphocytosis. Causes of low lymphocytes can be abnormalities of bone marrow function, tumors, numerous drugs, the presence of an acute inflammatory state or infections, especially viral ones. Symptoms of ...
Transvaginal ultrasound is a type of ultrasound, which helps to understand the state of health and conformation of the female internal genital organs. The transvaginal echo is performed using an ultrasound probe inserted into the vagina, thanks to which the uterus, cervix, ovaries and tubes of ...
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell, which increases in the blood mainly due to infections, especially viral infections, and during hematological diseases. Symptoms of elevated lymphocytes are related to the underlying disease that caused the biohumoral alteration.
Thyroglobulin (Tgb or Tg) is a glycoprotein that is produced by thyroid cells, and is a precursor substance for the synthesis of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It is used, like calcitonin, as a tumor marker for thyroid cancer. The finding of low thyroglobulin is from ...
Thyroglobulin (Tgb or Tg) is a glycoprotein that is produced by thyroid cells, and is a precursor substance for the synthesis of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It is used, like calcitonin, as a tumor marker for thyroid cancer.
The finding of high white blood cells (more properly: high leukocytes, high WBCs or leukocytosis) is very frequent, and is often linked to the presence of an infectious state or blood diseases. The causes of high leukocytes are in fact above all states of inflammation secondary to bacterial, fungal, viral infections ...
The finding of low ESR is less frequent than the finding of high ESR. The main causes of low ESR are dehydration, increased blood density due to the presence of a high number of red blood cells in the blood, a reduction in the protein concentration in the blood or an allergic state. The main symptoms of reduced ESR are those related ...
The finding of low white blood cells (more properly: low leukocytes, low WBC or leukopenia) is not uncommon, and is often linked to the presence of neutropenia (low neutrophil granulocytes). The causes of low leukocytes are disorders of bone marrow production, neoplasms, but also numerous drugs, acute inflammatory states and infections, especially ...
The finding of high ESR is indicative of an ongoing inflammatory state. The main causes of high ESR are infectious, autoimmune, rheumatological diseases and everything that increases the state of inflammation of our organism. The main symptoms of high ESR are fever, joint pain, sweating and all symptoms ...
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST or GOT) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and kidneys. The finding of elevated AST in the context of high transaminases is indicative of the presence of liver damage.
The finding of high triglycerides is a worrying fact, which must be corrected as soon as possible to avoid the onset of cadiovascular and metabolic diseases. Triglycerides are fatty substances used as a source of energy and in the metabolism of cells. The main causes of high triglycerides are the type of diet and ...
The finding of low triglycerides is less frequent than the finding of high triglycerides. Triglycerides are fatty substances used as a source of energy and in the metabolism of cells. The main causes of low triglycerides are usually a state of malnutrition or malnutrition, more rarely it depends on liver disease or ...
High creatinine High creatinine or hypercreatininemia is often a symptom of renal failure, which can be acute or chronic. The main causes of high creatinine are the presence of hypertension, diabetes, dehydration or the use of substances harmful to the kidneys. Symptoms of elevated creatinine are ...
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT or GPT) is an enzyme protein found mainly in the liver and kidneys. The finding of elevated ALT and therefore of high transaminases is often suggestive of a liver problem.
The finding of low eosinophils is normally linked to a state of immunosuppression, that is, to a reduction in the function of the immune system. The most frequent causes of low eosinophilic granulocytes are the use of drugs (cortisone or chemotherapy for all) or the presence of bone marrow diseases.
The finding of high C reactive protein or high CRP is due to the presence of an inflammatory process in our body, and is therefore defined as an acute phase protein. The analysis of the C reactive protein, together with the ESR and procalcitonin, is then carried out to look for the presence of inflammation (phlogosis) that can ...
Creatinine is a protein that represents the waste product resulting from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Creatinine is filtered through the kidneys and excreted in the urine. The finding of low creatinine in the blood often indicates a reduced muscle mass. A low creatinine then goes ...
Paracetamol is an antipyretic (lowers fever) and pain reliever (analgesic, reduces pain) drug. It is a widely used drug, known by the trade name of Tachipirina, and has few side effects if taken at the recommended dosages. On the other hand, it can be very harmful if taken at too high doses and higher than ...
Paracetamol is a drug used as an analgesic (pain reliever) and as an antipyretic (to reduce fever). Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is often called Tachipirina, as this is its most common trade name: it should not be forgotten, however, that there are numerous other trade names, such as Efferalgan, Acetamol, Codamol and many others.
Paracetamol is an excellent drug in children as an antipyretic (reduces fever) and as an analgesic (reduces pain). Taken at correct dosages, it is safe and well tolerated. By children it is more easily taken in drops or suppositories.
Paracetamol (also known by the trade name tachipirina) is taken in a dosage of 500 mg or 1000 mg, repeatable every 6-8 hours. The maximum daily dose of 4000 mg should not be exceeded.
Paracetamol is a drug used as an analgesic (pain reliever) and as an antipyretic (to reduce fever). Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is often called Tachipirina, as this is its most common trade name: it should not be forgotten, however, that there are numerous other trade names, such as Efferalgan, Acetamol, Codamol and many others.
Paracetamol is very well absorbed orally, it is metabolized mainly by the liver and almost completely eliminated in the urine.
Paracetamol is a drug used as an analgesic (pain reliever) and as an antipyretic (to reduce fever). Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is often called Tachipirina, as this is its most common trade name: it should not be forgotten, however, that there are numerous other trade names, such as Efferalgan, Acetamol, Codamol and many others.
The Prik Test is an intradermal reaction test: it is a method for the routine diagnostics of allergies from inhalants, foods, drugs and insect poisons.
Proinsulin is a protein produced by the pancreas, and is the precursor of insulin, a very important protein for the use of sugars in our body.
Antibodies to Toxoplasma, called by the abbreviation Toxo-test, are antibodies aimed at parts of Toxoplasma Gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite capable of infesting humans and animals, causing Toxoplasmosis.
Haptoglobin is a protein circulating in plasma, which has the task of binding the hemoglobin circulating in the serum and conveying it to the monocyte-macrophage system for its degradation.
Urinary sodium is a type of test that measures how much sodium (Na) is eliminated in the urine over a certain period of time. It is a useful test to understand the nature of alterations in the quantity of mineral salts and liquids in our body, as in hypernatremia (excess sodium in the blood) ...
Islet Cell Antibody (ICA) antibodies, also called pancreatic islet cell antibodies, are autoantibodies that target islet cell antigens in the pancreas.
Anti-cysticercosis antibodies are antibodies directed against antigens of parasitic worms called Tapeworms, (or more correctly Taenia), belonging to the phylum Platelminti, class Cestoda.
Androstenediol is a sex steroid hormone and is involved in the development and maintenance of the characteristics of the male organism. Androstenediol is therefore an androgen hormone, and in particular represents the amount of androgens active at the peripheral level (testosterone which is transformed into dehydrotestosterone), metabolized in sensitive tissues in ...
Anti Chlamydia antibodies are antibodies targeting antigens derived from the Chlamydia bacterium.
Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6) antibodies are antibodies targeting the Herpes Virus type 6, responsible for the sixth disease.
Anti-ganglioside antibodies are antibodies aimed at some proteins present in our body, the gangliosides.
Anti-Dengue antibodies are antibodies aimed at the Dengue virus, useful for the diagnosis of Dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Anti-hyaluronidase antibodies are antibodies targeting a specific family of proteins, hyaluronidases. Normally the anti hyaluronidase antibodies are present in our blood at values lower than 500 U / ml.
A high TSH is almost always indicative of hypothyroidism. The causes and symptoms of high TSH are explained in this article. TSH (thyrotropin or thyrotropic hormone) is a substance produced by the anterior part of the pituitary gland, the adenohypophysis. It is the fundamental hormone that regulates the functionality and efficiency of the thyroid, ...
Coxiella burnetii, commonly called Coxiella, is a gram negative bacterium responsible for Q fever, which is transmitted by ticks and can be transmitted by both domestic and farm animals, as well as wild animals. Diagnosis is made by measuring the anti-Coxiella antibodies. Contagion in humans ...
Anti-Sm antibodies, or anti-Smith antibodies, are autoantibodies, i.e. antibodies that instead of targeting antigens external to our body, are directed towards our own body.
Antibodies to native DNA are autoantibodies, ie antibodies that affect structures of our organism. The most common anti-native DNA antibodies are double-stranded DNA antibodies (anti double-strain DNA or anti ds-DNA) and single-stranded DNA antibodies (anti single strain DNA or ...
Antibodies to native DNA are antibodies directed against the DNA helix. The most common antibodies to native DNA are double-stranded DNA antibodies (anti double-strain DNA or anti ds-DNA) and anti-single-stranded DNA antibodies (anti single strain DNA or anti ss-DNA).
Plasmin is a proteolytic enzyme, which belongs to the family of hydrolases, proteins capable of degrading other protein substances in the blood.
Anti-mumps antibodies are antibodies, measurable in the blood, which are used to make a diagnosis of mumps.
Catecholamines are very important substances for our body, participating in the transmission of nerve impulses and being responsible for the "fight or flight" mechanism.
TNF - TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR TNF is a cytokine (a type of acute phase protein) that comes into play during the inflammatory processes of our body. Tumor Necrosis Factor is also a glycoprotein as an oligosaccharide residue is linked to the classic protein structure of amino acids ...
Iodine is a fundamental substance for the correct development of our body, being the main compound used in the production of thyroid hormones.
Each kidney is made up of over a million small units called nephrons, with two main structures: the glomerulus and the renal tubule. The glomerulus is made up of a dense network of capillaries wrapped in Bowman's capsule, and is the part of the nephron responsible for "filtering the blood" ....
Measurement of blood cortisol levels (cortisolemia) may be helpful in diagnosing conditions of excess cortisol (high cortisol or hypercortisolism) and cortisol deficiency (low cortisol or hypocortisolism). It is important to underline that the dosage of cortisolemia is indicated only in patients in whom the probability of ...
Antibodies to TSH receptors, also called anti TSH, anti rTSH, anti TSHR, TrAb or TSH ab, are auto antibodies targeting the receptor that binds thyrotropin (TSH). They are very common in autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Basedow-Graves disease, and are divided into stimulated antibodies and ...
Calcitonin is a hormone normally produced by parafollicular cells of the thyroid, also called C cells. Calcitonin is used as a tumor marker as it is altered in the presence of medullary thyroid carcinoma, which is a tumor that originates precisely the C cells of the thyroid.
Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, also called anti-tgb, TgAb, anti-htg or anti-tg antibodies, are antibodies directed against thyroglobulin, a precursor of thyroid hormones. Thyroglobulin antibodies belong to the group of thyroid autoantibodies or thyroid antibodies, together with thyroid peroxidase antibodies and antibodies ...
Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduced amount of hemoglobin in the circulating blood. this can happen because the erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the blood have decreased, or because they contain a reduced amount of hemoglobin. Anemia is therefore characterized by low hemoglobin.
TSH - thyrotropin TSH, also called thyrotropin, thyrotropic hormone or thyroid stimulating hormone, is a substance produced by the pituitary gland. From the TSH values you can guess how the thyroid works: in fact, TSH is the main regulator of the two thyroid hormones: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine).
Pernicious anemia is a disease caused by a reduced absorption of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). Vitamin B12 is essential for the correct maturation process of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and is taken through the diet. Vitamin B12 is in fact introduced into our body thanks above all to foods such as meat, milk and ...
Pernicious anemia is a disease caused by a reduced absorption of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). The main symptoms of pernicious anemia are both symptoms related to the presence of megaloblastic anemia (tiredness, fatigue, confusion), and the deficiency of vitamin B12 which gives neurological symptoms (loss of strength and sensitivity up to ataxia and paranoid dementia) ...
Thyroxine (T4), is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland, following the stimulation of the thyrotropin hormone (TSH). Thyroxine travels in the blood bound to specific proteins, and only a small part, free thyroxine (fT4) circulates in the blood not bound to proteins. The free thyroxine however is the fraction ...
Triiodothyronine (T3) is a hormone produced in part by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland, and in part synthesized in the peripheral body tissues starting from the other thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4). Triiodothyronine, a molecule characterized by 3 iodine units, circulates in the blood linked to specific plasma proteins, ...
ESR is a blood test that evaluates the sedimentation rate of erythrocytes. The acronym VES in fact indicates Erythro Sedimentation Rate, that is the speed that red blood cells use to deposit on the bottom of a special test tube. ESR is an inflammatory index of low specificity.
The C reactive protein or PCR (CRP from English C Reactive Protein) is an acute phase protein, and is synthesized by our body during an inflammatory state. Analysis of the C reactive protein is then done to look for the presence of inflammation.
Thyroid thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti TPO or ab TPO antibodies) are autoantibodies, i.e. antibodies directed against our body, in this case against the thyroid peroxidase enzyme or thyroid peroxidase.
Thyroglobulin (Tgb or Tg) is a glycoprotein that is produced by thyroid cells, and is a precursor substance for the synthesis of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It is used, like calcitonin, as a tumor marker for thyroid cancer.
Triiodothyronine (T3) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, which is produced thanks to the stimulating action of TSH (thyrotropin or thyrotropic hormone) produced by the pituitary. Triiodothyronine travels in the blood bound to specific proteins, and only a minimal part, free triiodothyronine (fT3) circulates in the blood not associated with these ...
Thyroxine (T4), is the main hormone of the thyroid gland, which is produced thanks to the stimulating action of TSH (thyrotropic hormone or thyrotropin) produced by the pituitary. Thyroxine travels in the blood bound to specific proteins, and only a small part, free thyroxine (fT4) circulates in the blood not bound to proteins. There...
Triiodothyronine (T3) is a hormone produced in part by the follicular cells of the thyroid gland, and in part synthesized in the peripheral body tissues starting from the other thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4). Triiodothyronine, a molecule characterized by 3 iodine units, circulates in the blood linked to specific plasma proteins, ...
Thyroxine (T4) is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland, following the stimulation of the thyrotropin hormone or THS. Thyroxine travels in the blood bound to specific proteins, and only a small part, free thyroxine (fT4) circulates in the blood not bound to proteins. But free thyroxine is ...
The thyroid hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones have an important function for the body: when our body is subjected to strong physical or psychological stress, or when the levels of thyroid hormones decrease in the bloodstream, a part of the brain, the hypothalamus, is stimulated ...
TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, it can also be called thyrotropin, thyrotropic hormone or thyroid stimulating hormone. The analysis of TSH values allows us to understand how the thyroid gland is functioning. Low TSH is often linked to increased thyroid hormone levels with symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
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