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Jaundice

Jaundice

Bilirubin is the residual element in the blood after the hemoglobin is removed. Normally the liver removes this bilirubin from the blood and it passes out through the feces. When the body has too much bilirubin, the resulting condition is called jaundice. Excess bilirubin starts circulating within the body leading to yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes. Jaundice is caused either due to inflammation of the liver or due to an obstruction in the bile duct. Other possible causes of jaundice are pancreatic cancer and cirrhosis. A patient suffering from jaundice has pale stools, dark urine and nausea.

Jaundice is determined by measuring the level of bilirubin in the blood. ALT blood test or AST blood tests help in determining this. Ultrasonography or CT scan of the liver, pancreas and bile ducts can help in identifying the cause of jaundice.

Dissecting Thoracic Aneurysm

Aneurysm refers to a localized dilation or widening of an artery, especially in the abdominal aorta. Dilation occurs to an extent more than 50%. Thoracic aneurysm occurs in the thoracic aorta. Dissecting thoracic aneurysm is a condition where a tear occurs on the aorta. This creates a passage for blood between the aortal layers and leads to a dangerous condition. A false channel is thus created for the arterial blood. Besides it may hamper the blood supply to tributary arteries. This aneurysm occurs typically in the thoracic aorta. When there is excessive dilation of the artery, an aortic aneurysm can rupture. Internal bleeding can result and can be life-threatening. Usually the symptoms begin to appear when the aneurysm has become fairly large. A person suffering from dissecting thoracic aneurysm experiences severe abdominal and back pain. The pain is high up on the back, between the shoulder blades. There is increased risk of stroke or heart attack. The voice becomes hoarse and there is difficulty in swallowing. Persons suffering from dissection may experience symptoms similar to paraplegia or stroke due to impaired blood suppply to the spinal chord and limbs. Marfan's syndrome is a variant of this condition. Traumatic aneurysms are caused by injury to the chest or blunt chest trauma.

Diagnosis of dissecting thoracic aneurysm is done with a routine physical examination as well as chest and abdominal x-rays. MRI scan also helps in determining the precise location of the aneurysm. Transthoracic ultrasonography aids in accure sizing of the aneurysm. Patients suffering from thoracic aneurysm condition are advised to avoid smoking and get regular medical check ups done. Blood pressure must be lowered with drugs to reduce the impact on the aortal tear. Surgical treatment for dissecting thoracic aneurysm involves replacing the affected part of the aorta with a synthetic graft.