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Gastrinoma (Gastrin-Secreting Tumor)

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What is a gastrinoma?

A gastrinoma is a tumor that secretes the hormone gastrin. Normally gastrin is secreted by certain cells in the pancreas, duodenum and stomach. The hormone gastrin stimulates the stomach to produce gastric acid. A gastrinoma secretes large amounts of gastrin. This causes an oversecretion of stomach acid which has a wide range of effects on the stomach itself, and the neighboring regions of the esophagus and small intestine. It gives rise to a condition known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) which is marked by peptic ulcers and excessive gastric acid. Gastrinomas may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) with the latter having serious and life threatening implications.


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Aortitis (Inflamed Aorta)

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What is aortitis?

Aortitis is a condition where the aorta is inflamed. It is a form of vasculitis – inflammation of a blood vessel. More correctly, it is known as arteritis because the inflammation affects an artery. While every type of vasculitis has clinical implications, aortitis may be very serious due to the importance of the aorta in blood circulation. It compromises the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the entire body to some extent or the other and can therefore have devastating implications. Overall, aortitis is not a common condition but when it does occur, it can be life threatening even in mild cases.


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Megacolon (Dilated Large Colon Tube)

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What is a megacolon?

Megacolon is a condition where the colon of the large intestine becomes wider than normal. This distension can also affect the cecum and extend to the rectum. The proper term for this widening is ‘dilatation’. It is not an increase in length but a dilated portion of the colon while other parts usually remain the same width. The term megacolon literally means large colon. It is important to note that megacolon is a term used to denote widening without a mechanical obstruction. Understandably the colon will become dilated if there is some mechanical obstruction blocking the outflow of its contents. Although the colon can stretch, there is a point where it can be considered to be overdistended. Stretching also prevents the muscles in the colon wall from functioning properly and its contents can therefore not be moved. In severe cases the colon can tear although perforation is uncommon.


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CSF Rhinorrhea (Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaking Nose)

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What is CSF rhinorrhea?

CSF rhinorrhea is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks through the nose. Normally cerebrospinal fluid is confined to the space around the brain and spinal cord. Due to its close proximity to the sinus and nasal cavity, any opening will allow CSF to leak into it and then drain out through the nose. Sometimes it can even leak out through the ears where it is then known as CSF otorrhea. Most cases of CSF rhinorrhea are due to head trauma but sometimes it occurs with surgery and other less common causes. Although it can be managed without treatment, at times surgery is needed to correct the condition. CSF rhinorrhea is not a common condition and extensive investigation should be undertaken by a doctor before assuming that any nasal discharge is cerebrospinal fluid.


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Gallbladder Mucocele (Hydrops)

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What is gallbladder mucocele?

A gallbladder mucocele is a condition where the gallbladder is stretched due to the accumulation of mucus or clear watery fluid in the hollow organ. It is also known as hydrops. This condition should not be confused with a gallbladder empyema where the gallbladder is filled with pus. In a mucocele, the gallbladder is larger in size than normal due to the overdistension caused by the fluid within. When left untreated, the gallbladder can become infected, press on the stomach thereby partly blocking it and gallbladder rupture is also possible. Although a mucocele is not common, it must be suspected and monitored for in the event of gallstones. Most cases of gallbladder mucocele arise as a complication of gallstones disease, and gallstones itself are a fairly common condition.


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