Achalasia mnemonic

USMLE mnemonic for Achalasia.

A-chalasia–>Absence of relaxation.

Both liquid and solids dysphagia–>Barium swallow–>Bird peak–>Tx with Botulinum toxin(for pts who cannot tolerate more invasive procedures), Balloon dilation=Pneumatic dilation(cost effective procedure that provides symptomatic relief).

CCB is another way of Tx. Secondary Achalasia may arise from Chaga’s disease. Achalasia is associated w/ inc risk of esophageal Carcinoma.
Complication:Reflux of food–>aspiration Sx.

BDxT(best Dx test) is manometry showing failure of the LES to relax, as well as the absence of peristaltic waves in the upper esophagus. However endoscopy is required to ensure that there is no malignancy.

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Murphy's sign [for Irish]

“Murphy was an Irishman (and Murphy is a classic Irish surname), and Ireland=green”:
Green organ in body is gallbladder, so Murphy’s point is the gall bladder.

Bilirubin: common causes for increased levels

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HOT Liver

H-emolysis

O-bstruction

T-umor

L-iver disease

Whipple's Disease Mnemonic

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WHIPPLES:

W-eight loss

H-yperpigmentation of skin

I-nfection with tropheryma whippelii

P-AS positive granules in macrophage

P-olyarthritis

L-ymphadenopathy

E-nteric involvement

S-teatorrhea