Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome: All You Need to Know [Symyptoms, Causes, Treatment] 

This article is about hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease so before going towards it let’s get a little overview of the liver. The liver is an organ only present in all vertebrates. The function of the liver is to detoxify numerous metabolites, incorporate proteins, and make biochemicals required for digestion and growth. It is located in the right upper quadrant of the human below the diaphragm. It is a large organ. The weight is about 3 pounds. If this medical condition is diagnosed by any of your family members and you don’t know about that so don’t panic. We will provide each thing in the very simplest form. STAY TUNED!

What is Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome?

It is an unusual medical condition for the layman. It is a life-threatening condition for the patient. Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is the blockage of the very small veins in the liver. It is also known as a veno-occlusive disease (VOD), the hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome can happen at any age and is a well-recognized issue of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and presents significant morbidity and mortality. 

What Are The Causes?

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome can present in an acute, subacute or chronic form. VOD veno-occlusive disease or Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is a notable problem of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, both allogeneic and autologous. It is categorized as conditioning-related toxicity. The occurrence of this disease differs from less than 5% to as high as 70% in various reports. Following are the causes of Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome.

• Uptake of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is observed in crotalaria and Senecio plants and in other herbs such as comfrey. It is used to make tea. 
• Use of several drugs that sometimes have noxious impacts on the liver, including cyclophosphamide and azathioprine.
• Radiation therapy to suppress the immune system before stem cell transplantation. 
• Reaction after bone marrow or stem cell transplantation

What Are The Symptoms?

The Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome symptoms might be onset and cause an emergency condition for you but the symptoms usually seem near the end of the first week or starting of the second week after transplantation Let’s have a look at the symptoms of Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease below;

• Abdominal pain
• Swelling
• Weight gain
• Ascites 
• Edema
• Varices
• Jaundice (mild)
• Muscle wasting
• Weakness

What Are The Risk Factors?

It is generally considered that the risk of Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease is higher in patients who undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation (transferring the stem cells from a healthy person’s body to the patient’s body). The risk is lower in patients who undergo autologous stem cell transplantation. 

What is The Diagnosis?

Doctors suspect sinusoidal obstruction syndrome based on symptoms of the clinical evaluation or blood test results that imply liver dysfunction, especially if people have ingested stuff or have conditions that may cause the disease. Following are the diagnosis of Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease;

• Evaluation
• Blood test
• Doppler ultrasonography
• Liver biopsy

These tests include a liver biopsy or computation of blood pressure in the hepatic veins and portal vein although most of the time the doppler ultrasound confirms the diagnosis of the disease. 

What is The Treatment?

There is no particular treatment for this disease but treatment usually involves supportive care including shock control and possibly diuretics. In patients with the severe condition due to a bone marrow transplant, defibrotide is a recommended treatment. Give assistance for complications such as hypotension, electrolyte and acid-base imbalance, renal and pulmonary failure, and infectious complications.

What is The Prevention?

Prevention of Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease is more possible to be effective than application of therapies after the injury has happened. Most essential is the evaluation of the probability of disease and practice of chemotherapies and conditioning process with lower rates of this complication in patients at the highest risk. 

Conclusive Thoughts

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome or veno-occlusive disease is a life-threatening condition for the patient. It occurs mostly in the patient with the stem cell transplantation. The symptoms include swelling, abdominal pain, edema and enlargement of the liver, etc. The most common diagnosis of this condition is doppler ultrasound. There is no specific treatment except pain management. 

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Shah Wajahat Ali

Daily Medicos is a content hub that provides articles on Health & Wellness, prevention from diseases, Guidance for medical conditions, Healthy Nutritional tips, inspiration on mental health problems, and a Healthy living lifestyle!

Pampiniform Plexus: All You Need to Know About The Pampiniform Plexus [Detail Guide]

Well, some of you have never heard about pampiniform plexus. It is related to both males and females. Most medical students have knowledge about it because it’s part of their courses. But don’t worry there is nothing laymen can achieve if they are curious and taking interest in their body. Yes, it’s your love towards your body to understand the basic structures, functions, and diseases. The same goes for this topic pampiniform plexus. By reading the name of this topic you guys can understand that this article is about the pampiniform plexus. 

What is Pampiniform Plexus?

The pampiniform plexus is around 10 veins draining the testis and epididymis in the form of venous drainage. The pampiniform plexus is a small venous network found within the male spermatic cord. The network borders the testicular artery in the spermatic cord and lies down anteriorly to the ductus deferens. The network fuse to form the testicular (internal spermatic) veins.

Anatomy of Pampiniform Plexus

The pampiniform plexus is a small venous network found within the male spermatic cord. The plexus initiates in the scrotum with veins appearing from the mediastinum testis. The plexus veins arise with the spermatic cord at the front of the ductus deferens. 

The anterior part of the plexus occurs collectively to make the internal spermatic vein. The internal spermatic cord moves through the inguinal canal and arises into the retroperitoneum. The walls of the plexus veins hold a composite muscle structure that drives blood flow to the left renal vein.

The Function of Pampiniform Plexus

The pampiniform plexus contains arteries and veins that serve and clear out the testes. A tide rip interchange system takes place in the pampiniform plexus between arterial and venous blood. Following are the functions of the pampiniform plexus; 

• The “heat exchange” mechanism is present to assist the temperature of the testes to chill the blood in the testes.  
• The arteries contributing to the testes go through the plexus 
• The blood is chilled down from abdominal arterial temperature to testicular temperature

Relation Between Pampiniform Plexus & Varicocele

A vein malformation in the scrotum may result in a varicocele. A varicocele is an elongation of the veins within the scrotum. These veins are called the pampiniform plexus. Male infertility or testicular pain may usually be associated with a varicocele. Varicoceles are caused by reversed blood flow or damaged drainage of the testicular or internal spermatic vein. Varicoceles are the most regular and curable cause of male infertility

. 

A varicocele can out turn in lessen sperm making and quality which in some cases can lead to infertility. It can also contact the testicles.

Symptoms of Varicoceles

Sometimes varicoceles due to pampiniform plexus do not cause any pain and discomfort in the penis. However, sometimes it has symptoms. Following are the symptoms of varicoceles caused by pampiniform plexus are; 

• Swelling of the scrotum
• Lump in the testicles
• Twisted veins in the scrotum
• Lessen recurring pain in the scrotum

Causes of Varicoceles

There are many causes of varicoceles which are caused due to pampiniform plexus. It includes; 

• The valve is not working properly or missing in the vein 
• Inactive blood flow
• The large veins going to the testicles moving towards the heart are connected abnormally 
• If blood flows backward into the vein causes swelling of a scrotal vein

Diagnosis of Varicoceles

The doctor will examine you physically in his routine clinic and ask you to take a deep breath and hold then he will find out the scrotum is above the testicles and he is able to find the enlarged vein. This technique is known as the Valsalva maneuver. Further, your doctor will recommend a scrotal ultrasound test.  

Treatment of Varicoceles

As we mentioned above, varicocele is caused due to pampiniform plexus. This disease is untreatable but you can control the pain. treatment is only for those patients who have pain, abnormal growth, abnormal semen, and fertility issues. Following are the treatments of varicoceles; 

• Pain killers
• Microscopic varicocelectomy
• Laparoscopic varicocelectomy 

Conclusive Thoughts

Pampiniform plexus is often caused by the enlargement of scrotal veins. A vein malformation in the scrotum may result in a varicocele. Sometimes varicoceles due to pampiniform plexus do not cause any pain and discomfort in the penis. The pampiniform plexus is a small venous network found within the male spermatic cord. If you feel any abnormality immediately consult your doctor he will examine you and further proceed with the best treatment options.

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Shah Wajahat Ali

Daily Medicos is a content hub that provides articles on Health & Wellness, prevention from diseases, Guidance for medical conditions, Healthy Nutritional tips, inspiration on mental health problems, and a Healthy living lifestyle!

Akinesia: Everything You Need to Know About Akinesia [Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment]

This article is about akinesia. You might haven’t heard about this disorder. Akinesia is an age-related disease and probably it is the symptom of many disorders. Akinetic states are linked with various etiological causes that differ with the age of the patient. Adults patients who have akinesia can present single or as results of neurodegenerative disorders. In this article, we will provide you a chunk of knowledge for your awareness. 

What is Akinesia?

The term akinesia means the inefficacy to perform clinically perceivable actions. It is the loss of ability to move your muscles voluntarily. Akinesia can occur as a retarded response, freezing mid-action, or even total stopping of movement. The most common sign of akinesia is freezing means the organ is no longer performing its functions as a result of a neurological condition. 

How Does it Happen?

These conditions cause nerve cells to weaken and die in your brain’s movement centers. Then the neurons are not able to transfer signals to nerves and muscles. This can cause you to drop your potential to control your muscles. This can include muscles in your face, hands, legs, or other muscles you use routinely. Akinesia is progressive. Most of the conditions of akinesia are growing and untreatable but it is not for all disorders. 

Symptoms of Akinesia

Freezing is the most common symptom of akinesia. This can make you suffer rigidity in one or more muscle groups. It causes your facial expression to freeze like it is swelling. It’s most often reported as a symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In akinesia, there is the negligence of a quick build-up of enough power to start up the movement. Other symptoms that may seem along with akinesia if you have Parkinson’s disease include:

• Shaking of muscles (tremors)
• Not able to keep a specific posture
• Moving slowly 
• Taking a longer time to finish physical tasks
• Softening of the voice or slowed speech
• Not being able to stand up 

The following symptoms also recognized because of a condition called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP);

• Vision loss or blurred vision
• Not being able to maintain eye contact for very long
• Trouble swallowing
• Having depression, including mood swings
• Not being able to move the eyes very quickly
• Difficulty in looking up and down easily
• Not being able to maintain eye contact for very long

Causes of Akinesia

The causes of akinesia are dependent upon the age group. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, males have more possibility to have akinesia than women. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the most persistent and representative disease within the scale of the ‘akinetic rigid syndromes. The causes of akinesia include; 

Adult-onset akinesia is associated with two main causes which are pure isolated akinesia and late stages of disorders affecting the basal ganglia or frontal lobes In adults, there are the following causes; 

• Parkinson’s disease
• Hormone level
• Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
• Multiple system atrophy
• Normal-pressure hydrocephalus

Akinesia can cause a fetus in the womb. This condition is called fetal akinesia. In these cases, the baby’s lung does not form properly or there is a defect in the facial features. The movement of the fetus is irregular in the womb. Fetal akinesia is also due to genes. The causes include; 

• Intrauterine fetal death or rarely a live birth
• Arthrogryposis
• Reduced movement
• Intrauterine growth restriction
• The short umbilical cord
• Pulmonary hypoplasia 

What Are The Risk Factors?

The principal cause of akinesia appears to be a dysfunction in phasic and tonic dopamine release. The risk factors of akinesia include; 

• History of bradykinesia 
• Postural instability
• Problems with muscle rigidity
• Having Parkinson’s disease for a long time

Diagnosis of Akinesia

The diagnosis of akinesia is based on the following; 

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Functional MRI
• Single-photon emission computed tomography
• Positron emission tomography

Treatment & Management of Akinesia

Medications: Akinesia in Parkinson’s disease can cause an outcome of a deficiency of dopamine. Your brain makes dopamine and passes it along into your body by neurons. One of the most common treatments for akinesia as an outcome of PD is a combination of levodopa, a central nervous system agent, and carbidopa. These medications have side effects when they interact with other drugs, so it is necessary to consult your doctor first. 

Relievers: Taking over-the-counter relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can aid in decreasing some of the pain levels that PD, PSP, and their linked medications can cause.

Conclusive Thoughts

The most common sign of akinesia is freezing. These conditions cause nerve cells to weaken and die in your brain’s movement centers. Akinesia can make you suffer rigidity in one or more muscle groups. As it is an incurable disease means there is no cure developed yet. All you can do is take medication, therapies, and exercise to make your life better. Consult your doctor first before taking any medications. 

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Shah Wajahat Ali

Daily Medicos is a content hub that provides articles on Health & Wellness, prevention from diseases, Guidance for medical conditions, Healthy Nutritional tips, inspiration on mental health problems, and a Healthy living lifestyle!

Hemianopia: Everything You Need to Know About Hemianopia [Types, Diagnosis & Treatment]

Hemianopia or hemianopsia terminology is derived from the Greek origin and can be broken in the following way to understand it more easily:
 

• Hemi means half
• An means without 
• Opia means sight or seeing
  

This term is well known in the specialty of ophthalmology and neurology. This article will highlight the all essential information about hemianopia so let’s begin.

Introduction to Hemianopia:

Hemianopia is a medical disorder characterized by partial blindness or loss of sight in half of your visual field. It may be permanent or temporary and it depends on the cause. The medical definition of hemianopia states that hemianopia is the blindness in one-half of the visual field of one or both eyes. 

In general, we can say that hemianopia is a condition in which half of the visual field is either completely or partially diminished due to any head trauma, stroke, or tumor.

Types of Hemianopia:

Hemianopia is distinguished into three main types with two sub categories under it. These types are well elaborated as follows

1. Homonymous Hemianopia:

This type is associated with loss of vision on the same sides of both eyes. It depends on the side of the brain that is affected by injury or surgery. Determining the Reduced vision by means of instrument helps the doctor to find out the accurate area of the brain where injury or stroke has occurred.

2. Heteronymous Hemianopia :

This type is associated with loss of vision in different fields of eyes. It is further divided into subcategories

• Binasal hemianopia: It is associated with vision loss in field of vision that lie  closest to the nose.
• Bitemporal hemianopia: It is associated with loss of vision that occurs on eyes’ side closest to the temple .

3. Quadrantanopia:

It is characterized with loss of vision in one quadrant or portion of the visual field and totally depends on the area of the brain that’s damaged. The part of eye that is linked with the damaged area of brain will suffer either complete or partial hemianopia.

• Superior hemianopia: It is associated with loss of vision in the upper visual field of either left or right eye or both.
• Inferior hemianopia: It is associated with loss of vision in the lower visual field of either left eye or right eye or both.

Symptoms of Hemianopia:

The most common and prominent symptom of hemianopia is to lose half of the visual field in one or both eyes. Other symptoms associated with hemianopia are :

• Dual vision
• Blurry vision
• Unfocused vision
• Distorted sight
• Dimmed vision
• Reduced night vision
• Visual hallucination

In addition to the physical discomfort and symptoms, there are a few emotional, psychological and cognitive, and social consequences also. Patients become so frustrated and due to loss of visual field become dependent on others. Their social activities and movement become restricted and they start to avoid social gatherings. Some factors also accompany hemianopia like

• Stress
• Mounting irritation
• Aggravation 

Patients with hemianopia face so much problem with reduced vision that it feels practically impossible to move in crowded places. 

Causes of Hemianopia:

Hemianopia can be caused by any damage to the optic nerve or brain. The common cause of hemianopia are as follows:

• Brain tumors
• Brain injuries due to trauma
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Hydrocephalus
• High pressure in the brain
• Shake baby syndrome

The three most common causes of hemianopia are brain injuries, brain traumas, and stroke. These three causes are further elaborated as follows 

Brain Injuries:

Brain injuries and trauma due to accidents or sports injuries such as blunt force trauma can cause damage to certain parts of the brain. Thes brain damage may accumulate for a long period of time and cause hemianopia in older age or maybe even earlier. Brain injuries may also cause the growth of lesions on the brain over an extended period of time that can cause hemianopia. The occurrence of hemianopia based on brain injuries may be late in older age or even earlier, based on the frequency and severity of the injury.

Brain Tumors:

Brain tumors exhibit the same effect as brain injuries when tumors begin to grow and spread. Brain tumors cause the damage and pressure that directly leads to hemianopia in one or both eyes.

Strokes:

Strokes occur due to an insufficient supply of oxygen to the heart. This insufficiency of oxygen to the heart is the result of many factors like coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis. Heart stroke causes other ailments to include hemianopia. 

Diagnosis:

Hemianopia can be diagnosed by an eye doctor or ophthalmologist with the help of the following diagnostic procedures 

• Visual field exam: It helps to evaluate the focus of the eye on specific objects.
• Imaging tests: It helps the doctor to have a look at the back of your eye.
• Short bursts of air: It helps to determine the pressure within the eye. 
• Complete blood count test (CBC): It helps to diagnose any brain damage.

Treatment:

Treatment of hemianopia is highly dependent upon the underlying causes. Hemianopia caused due to head injury or stroke may recover itself after a few months or more. People who face blurred vision or other vision problems due to Hemianopia because of a brain tumor may recover vision after the shrinkage or removal of the tumor. 

In some exceptional cases, hemianopia can never be cured or resolved completely. In such circumstances, it can be managed by taking the following steps to improve the vision 

• Using prismatic correction glasses to  aids the double vision
• Go for vision restoration therapy to improve vision.
• Learn to use your remaining vision more efficiently by getting vision compensatory training.

Life with Hemianopia:

Life with hemianopia is really too difficult and complicated if it remains untreated. It changes the whole pattern of individuals’ life having physical, psychological and social impact on it . An individual with hemianopia may face the following challenges in his life:

• Concentration and focus become too much difficult with low vision or loss of visual field in one of more eye
• Independency of a person is highly interrupted and it seems difficult to move in with a social circle with impaired vision
• People need the presence of a care-taker to move safely and this condition sometimes make them feel like a burden on their family and friends

Complication of life with hemianopia cannot be denied but it is not the end of debate. The appropriate management and treatment help to resume daily life activities. Therapies and techniques help to make the life of patients easier and manageable to decrease dependency on other people. 

Wrapping text:

Hemianopia is an eye disease that is characterized by visual impairment due to loss of visual field in one or both eyes. It possesses many diagnostic signs and features. Its main causes are brain tumors, head injuries, and stroke. Treatment and management help to improve quality of life and improve vision to decrease the dependency of patients on other people. 

If you have any further queries related to this article, Kindly Comment them below and Our team members will respond to them very soon!

Shah Wajahat Ali

Daily Medicos is a content hub that provides articles on Health & Wellness, prevention from diseases, Guidance for medical conditions, Healthy Nutritional tips, inspiration on mental health problems, and a Healthy living lifestyle!