Quick Medical Review

Obstructive vs restrictive, the A-a gradient, and how to read a flow-volume loop. A rapid, high-yield review of pulmonary function tests for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Obstructive — ↓ FEV1/FVC < 0.7 • Restrictive — ↓ FVC, normal/↑ ratio • A-a gradient — normal = age/4 + 4 • ↑ A-a — V/Q mismatch, shunt, diffusion • Normal A-a — hypoventilation, altitude Exam pearl: FEV...

Wear-and-tear joints — Heberden vs Bouchard, X-ray clues, and first-line management. A rapid, high-yield review of osteoarthritis for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Wear and tear → degenerative joint disease • DIP = Heberden · PIP = Bouchard • Joint space narrowing · osteophytes · subchondral sclerosis • Worse with activity, better with rest · acetaminophen first-line Exa...

Burn depth, the rule of nines, Parkland fluids, and the airway you must protect early. A rapid, high-yield review of burns for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Rule of nines → estimate BSA • Parkland: 4 mL × kg × %BSA • Superficial: red, painful, no blisters • Full thickness: white/charred, painless • Inhalation injury → intubate early Exam pearl: Rule of nines for BSA ⏱ 3:...

The world's most common anaemia — labs, causes, and the test that nails the diagnosis. A rapid, high-yield review of iron deficiency anemia for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • Microcytic hypochromic — low MCV, low MCH • Low ferritin — most specific test • High TIBC — body hungry for iron • Koilonychia — spoon-shaped nails • GI blood loss — most common in adults Exam pearl:...

Everything that drives the heart's output — and the formula every exam loves. A rapid, high-yield review of cardiac output & hemodynamics for medical students and exam candidates. In this episode: • CO = HR × SV → foundation of hemodynamics • Fick principle → oxygen consumption • MAP = CO × TPR • Preload = stretch · Afterload = resistance • Pulse pressure = systolic − diastolic Exam pearl: CO = HR...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Tetralogy of Fallot — the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect. We cover the four components, Tet spells management, the boot-shaped heart, squatting physiology, surgical repair, and Blalock-Taussig shunt. Essential for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE. Keywords: tetralogy of Fallot, congenital heart disease, Tet spells, cyanotic, boot-shap...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Pneumothorax — from primary spontaneous to tension pneumothorax. We cover types, clinical features, BTS management guidelines, needle aspiration vs chest drain, the triangle of safety, and emergency management of tension pneumothorax. Essential for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE. Keywords: pneumothorax, tension pneumothorax, chest drain, needle d...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Breast Cancer — the most common cancer in women. We cover risk factors, BRCA genetics, cancer types (DCIS, invasive ductal, inflammatory, Paget's), triple assessment, receptor status, surgery, hormonal therapy (tamoxifen vs aromatase inhibitors), HER2-targeted therapy, and metastatic patterns. Essential for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE. Keyword...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Atrial Fibrillation — the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. We cover the pathophysiology, ECG findings, classification (paroxysmal, persistent, permanent), causes using the SMITH mnemonic, rate versus rhythm control strategies, cardioversion guidelines, and anticoagulation with the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. Updated with 2024 ES...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Acromegaly — a high-yield endocrine topic for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE exams. What you'll learn: - Pathophysiology: Why pituitary adenomas cause excess GH, how IGF-1 mediates the effects, and the difference between acromegaly and gigantism - Clinical features: From coarsened facial features to bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome — the classic...

In this episode, we break down what systematic reviews actually are, how they're conducted, and why they matter for clinical decision-making. You'll learn the difference between systematic and narrative reviews, when meta-analysis is (and isn't) appropriate, and how to interpret these powerful evidence summaries. We walk through two real Cochrane examples that changed practice: → Early vs late epi...

Quick Medical Review: Understanding Infective Endocarditis Join us for a quick revision on infective endocarditis - a serious infection of the heart's inner lining and valves. This episode covers the pathophysiology, common bacteria involved, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment protocols for this critical condition. Learn about the importance of early recognition, appropriat...

In this Episode of our type 2 diabetes education series, we discuss pharmacologic management, focusing on first-line therapy. Metformin remains foundational unless contraindicated, thanks to its weight-neutrality, low hypoglycemia risk, and cardiovascular benefits. Recent advancements position SGLT2 inhibitors alongside metformin for patients with cardiovascular disease, heart failure, chronic kid...

Diabetes Management: Targets and Personalisation | Quick Medical Review In Episode 3 of our series on type 2 diabetes, we focus on the importance of setting glycemic targets and personalising treatment plans. Learn about the recommended HbA1c targets, the significance of individualised care, and the need to balance glucose control with other health factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. Avoi...

Welcome to our podcast on the power of lifestyle in managing type 2 diabetes! In this episode, we explore how weight loss, diet, exercise, sleep, and new medical options can transform diabetes care. You’ll learn: • Why lifestyle is the foundation of diabetes management • Practical tips for weight loss and sustainable diet choices • The impact of physical activity; even small changes matter! How sl...

In this episode of our education series on type 2 diabetes, we discuss the complexities of this condition. Explore the environmental and biological factors contributing to diabetes, including insulin resistance, pancreatic dysfunction, gut abnormalities, and chronic inflammation. Understand how lifestyle, urbanization, and sedentary habits are interconnected with multi-organ dysfunction. Gain a co...

In this session, we cover the comprehensive guidelines for diagnosing and managing hypertension in adults, including those with type 2 diabetes. Key points include proper blood pressure measurement techniques, the importance of out-of-office monitoring, methods to identify target organ damage, postural blood pressure assessments, and referral criteria for severe cases. Detailed treatment threshold...

In this session, we explore the latest NICE 2023 guidance on lipids, statins, and cardiovascular risk, along with updates from the AAC. Key points include criteria for offering statins without risk calculation, the use of QRISK3 for risk assessment, and specific considerations for groups like those with chronic kidney disease, very elderly patients, and individuals with type 1 diabetes. We'll also...

Today's quick revision covers Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, highlighting key features such as the Reed–Sternberg cell, its bimodal age distribution, and typical presentations like a painless, asymmetrical lymph node in the supraclavicular region. Key symptoms include weight loss, pruritus, night sweats, fever, and alcohol-induced pain. Lab findings often show elevated LDH and normocytic anemia.

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we discuss Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome. Through a Q&A format, we discuss essential aspects including its definition, ECG findings, types of accessory pathways, common arrhythmias, and associated symptoms. We explore high-risk features for sudden cardiac death, diagnostic methods, associated conditions, and detailed management strategies for various...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we talk about hypertensive emergencies, a critical condition characterized by severely elevated blood pressure and acute organ damage.  00:00 Introduction to Hypertensive Emergencies 00:14 Defining Hypertensive Emergencies 00:35 Clinical Presentation and Symptoms 01:07 Immediate Treatment Goals 01:55 Special Considerations and Exceptions 02:06 Prognosis and...

Join us on Quick Medical Review as we discuss Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). This episode takes a Q&A approach to cover essential facts, clinical features, investigations, and treatments. Ideal for revision, exam prep, or clinical refreshers. Learn about SLE's hypersensitivity reaction type, affected demographics, associated autoantibodies, symptoms, skin manifestations, organ involvement, di...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we explore Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disease often affecting women of reproductive age, and prevalent among African, Asian, and Hispanic populations. We delve into the pathophysiology, common symptoms, clinical features, and crucial laboratory findings. Management strategies ranging from mild to severe cases are discussed, emp...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we discuss into rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the synovial joints. We cover its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options. Learn about the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, how to identify classic deformities, and the importance of early and aggressive treatment with disease-modifying antirheu...

In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we discuss Von Willebrand Disease, the most common inherited coagulation disorder.  Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick medical reviews! Follow us on social media for updates and more content: Twitter: https://x.com/QuickMedReviews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quickmedicalreview/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090453442399...