Cardiac Rheumatology Mnemonics
By : Dr. Subrahmanyam Karuturi
> Takayasu's disease is Pulseless disease "Can't Tak'a ya pulse" (Can't take your pulse):
Takayasu's disease known as Pulseless disease, since pulse is weakened in the upper extremities.
> Kawasaki disease: features Disease name: a Kawasaki motorcycle.
Usually young children, epidemic in Japan: Japanese child rides the motorcycle.
Conjunctival, oral erythema: red eyes, mouth.
Fever: thermometer.
Erythema of palms, soles: red palms, soles.
Generalized rash: rash dots.
Cervical lymphadenitis: enlarged cervical nodes with inflammation arrows.
Vasculitis of arteries: inflammation arrows on arteries.
Cardiovascular sequelae [20%]: inflammation arrows on cardiac arteries.
Treat with aspirin: aspirin headlight.
> Kawasaki disease: diagnostic criteria CHILD:
5 letters=5 days, >5 years old, 5 out 6 criteria for diagnosis:
Conjuctivitis (bilateral)
Hyperthermia (fever) >5 days
Idiopathic polymorphic rash
Lymphoadenopathy (cervical)
Dryness & redness of (i)lips & month (ii)palms & soles [2 separate criteria]
> Kawasaki's disease: features FEAR ME:
Fever
Eye: perilimbic sparing conjunctival injection
Adenopathy: usually cervical
Rash
Mouth: red lips
Extremities: red hands and feet
· Disease to be feared because of risk of coronary aneurysms.
> Raynaud's disease: causes BAD CT:
Blood disorders (eg polycythaemia)
Arterial (eg atherosclerosis, Buerger's)
Drugs (eg beta-blockers)
Connective tissue disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, SLE)
Traumatic (eg vibration injury)
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