Disease-a-month : DM
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Disease-a-month : DM · Dec 2024
ReviewNavigating mesenteric vasculitis: A comprehensive review of literature.
Vasculitides are diseases marked by inflammation of the blood vessel walls across various organ systems. The mesenteric vasculitis (MV) affects localized mesenteric vessels of the gastrointestinal tract. It usually occurs as part of a systemic inflammatory process but could also present in isolation. ⋯ Furthermore, this review addresses the diagnostic challenges associated with MV, including the lack of specific criteria and symptom overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders such as atherosclerotic mesenteric ischemia, infections, malignancies, adverse medication effects, and other vessel occlusive processes. It also emphasizes the gaps in current literature regarding optimal diagnostic strategies and the necessity for standardized treatment protocols. By addressing these gaps and challenges, we aim to optimize patient care and improve prognosis for individuals affected by MV.
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Disease-a-month : DM · Dec 2024
ReviewCannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome-an emerging gastrointestinal disorder and clinical challenge.
Nausea and vomiting are not uncommon symptoms resulting in emergency department (ED) or primary care visits. One of the emerging etiologies - Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) remains significantly under-diagnosed, often resulting in unnecessary repeat ED visits and testing. This is in part due to lack of experience with and knowledge about CHS by health care professionals. ⋯ Moreover, commonly utilized anti-emetics, such as ondansetron, and similar 5 HT drugs may not fully attenuate symptoms of CHS, and other interventions may be necessary; ultimately abstinence being the most effective long term clinical preventive approach. The objective of this review article is to assist the clinician in identifying the specific clinical characteristics of CHS, distinguishing it from other causes of CVS or nausea and vomiting, to facilitate more rapid, effective interventions. Collaboration with substance use professionals should also be considered during CHS treatment.
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The toxicology, immunology and gastroenterology aspects of food remain important in clinical practice, as anyone treating food related anaphylaxis, or chronic intolerance syndromes can attest. Although entire editions of journals could focus on any one aspect of adverse effects from food, the following review addresses the important and prevalent gastrointestinal condition lactose intolerance and gastrointestinal (GI) conditions that have similar presentation but require different treatment.
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Disease-a-month : DM · Dec 2024
ReviewGastrointestinal disorders - Clinical challenges for the primary care clinician.
Gastrointestinal (GI) associated symptoms are among the most common medical concerns resulting in visits to primary and specialty care. Especially challenging is the wide range of causative disorders and exposures associated with symptoms ranging from mild to life threatening - from within the GI tract as well as extra-gastrointestinal. ⋯ Although entire references have been written to address gastrointestinal diseases, in this edition of Disease a Month we will address some of the more challenging GI disorders; some of which are common but often difficult to control - food associated for example, and emerging GI illnesses such as radiation or cannabinoid hyperemesis, that lead patients to the Emergency Department, primary care clinician or specialty referral. What follows is a discussion of diverse but clinically important GI disorders, and the newer therapeutic strategies to help patients better manage their symptoms, and improve their quality of life.