Pathoyphysiology of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)

Preeclampsia is a characterized, by vsospasms, changes in the coagulation system, and disturbances in systems related to volume and BP control. Vasospasms results from an increased sensitivity to circulating pressors, such as angiotensin II, and possibly an imbalance between the prostaglandins prostacyclin and thromboxane A1.
Endothelial cell dysfunction, believed to result from decreased placental perfusion, [...]

Pathophysiology of Dementia

Primary Dementia
Primary dementias are degenerative disorders that are progressive, irreversible, and not due to any other condition. Specific disorders are dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (DAT) and vascular dementia (formerly multi-infarct dementia). Dementia of Alzheimer’s type demonstrates progression of symptoms from the initial stage, which is characterized by mild cognitive deficits in the area [...]

Pathophysiology of Myocardial Infarction

In Myocardial Infarction, inadequate coronary blood flow rapidly results in myocardial ischemia in the affected area. The location and extent of the infarct determine the effects on cardiac function. Ischemia depresses cardiac function and triggers autonomic nervous system responses that exacerbate the imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Persistent ischemia results in tissue [...]

Pathophysiology of Congestive Heart Failure

Right ventricular failure occurs when the right ventricle is unable to pump blood into the pulmonary circulation. Less blood is oxygenated and pressure increases in the right atrium and systemic venous circulation, which results in edema of the extremities.
Left ventricular failure occurs when the left ventricle in unable to pump blood into systemic circulation. [...]

Pathophysiology of AIDS/HIV

Human beings produce antibodies against specific infections.
When HIV infection takes place, anti-HIV antibodies are produced but they do not appear immediately. This is called the “window effect”.
In some cases, antibodies to HIV become detectable 4 to 6 weeks after infection.
When HIV is in circulation, it invades several types of cells – the lymphocytes, macrophages, the [...]

Pathophysiology of Hydrocephalus

The primary site of CSF formation is believed to be the choroid plexusus of the lateral ventricles. CSF flows from the lateral ventricles through the foramen of Monro to the third ventricle, then through the aqueduct of Sylvius into the fourth ventricle through the foramen of Luschka and the midline foramen of Magendie into the [...]

Pathophysiology of Chronic Bronchitis (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with an inflammatory response in the lungs stimulated by irritants. COPD includes chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. Although sometimes included in COPD, asthma is a reversible disorder and is therefore [...]

Pathophysiology of Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the vermiform appendix caused by an obstruction attributable to infection, structure, fecal mass, foreign body, or tumor. Appendicitis can affect either gender at any age, but is most common in males 10 to 30. Appendicitis is the most common disease requiring surgery. If left untreated, appendicitis may progress to abscess, perforation, [...]

Pathophysiology of Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)

Cerebrovascular accident or stroke (also called brain attack) results from sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain, which precipitates neurologic dysfunction lasting longer than 24 hours. Stroke are either ischemic, caused by partial or complete occlusions of a cerebral blood vessel by cerebral thrombosis or embolism or hemorrhage (leakage of blood from a [...]

Pathophysiology of Leukemia

Leukemia is malignant neoplasms of the cells derived from either the myeloid or lymphoid line of the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Proliferating abnormal and immature cells (blast) spill out into the blood and infiltrate the spleen, lymph nodes, and other tissue. Acute leukemias are characterized by rapid progression of symptoms. High [...]