Acute Appendicitis

Acute Appendicitis explained, including classic and atypical appendicitis symptoms, the pathophysiology of appendicitis, as well as causes, diagnosis (including scores like the Alvarado score) and treatment.PDFs available here: https://rhesusmedicine.com/products/general-surgeryConsider subscribing on YouTube (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 What is Appendicitis?0:32 Appendicitis Pathophysiology2:00 Causes of Appendicitis2:59 Appendicitis Symptoms & Signs 5:29 Appendicitis Diagnosis8:44 Appendicitis Treatment / Appendectomy LINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. ReferencesBMJ Best Practice (2026) Acute appendicitis. Available at: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000094Di Saverio, S., Podda, M., De Simone, B., et al. (2020) 'Diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis: 2020 update of the WSES Jerusalem guidelines', World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 15(1), p.27. Available at: https://wjes.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13017-020-00306-3Moris, D., Paulson, E.K. and Pappas, T.N. (2021) 'Diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis in adults: a review', JAMA, 326(22), pp.2299-2311. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34905026MSD Manual (2024) Appendicitis. Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/acute-abdomen-and-surgical-gastroenterology/appendicitisStatPearls Publishing (2024) Appendicitis. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493193/Bhangu, A., Søreide, K., Di Saverio, S., Assarsson, J.H. and Drake, F.T. (2015) 'Acute appendicitis: modern understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management', The Lancet, 386(10000), pp.1278-1287. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26460662Flum, D.R., Davidson, G.H., Monsell, S.E., et al. (2020) 'A randomized trial comparing antibiotics with appendectomy for appendicitis', New England Journal of Medicine, 383(20), pp.1907-1919. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33017106Addiss, D.G., Shaffer, N., Fowler, B.S. and Tauxe, R.V. (1990) 'The epidemiology of appendicitis and appendectomy in the United States', American Journal of Epidemiology, 132(5), pp.910-925. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2239906

Vitamin B12 Deficiency explained, including the role and absorption of Vitamin B12, the causes and mechanisms causing B12 deficiency as well as the symptoms. We also look at the diagnosis of B12 deficiency including testing MMA or Homocysteine, as well as treatment options. PDFs available here: https://rhesusmedicine.com/products/haematologyConsider subscribing on YouTube (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 What is Vitamin B12? 0:39 Vitamin B12 Absorption Pathway2:37 Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes4:50 Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms6:57 Vitamin B12 Deficiency Diagnosis9:41 Vitamin B12 Deficiency TreatmentLINK TO MNEMONICS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-XE7PiwGgE&list=PLGNSE_HvIV4t7a33bbHN1fq-j_tge0GmpLINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/ReferencesBMJ Best Practice (2026) Vitamin B12 deficiency. Available at: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/822MSD Manual (2025) Vitamin B12 deficiency. Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/vitamin-deficiency-dependency-and-toxicity/vitamin-b12-deficiencyMohamed, M., Thio, J., Thomas, R.J.S. and Phillips, J. (2020) 'Pernicious anaemia', BMJ, 369, m1319. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m1319Langan, R.C. and Goodbred, A.J. (2017) 'Vitamin B12 deficiency: recognition and management', American Family Physician, 96(6), pp.384-389. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0915/p384.htmlStatPearls Publishing (2024) Vitamin B12 deficiency. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441923/Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. 

An approach to chest pain, featuring the main life threatening conditions we don't want to miss - including typical features in the history and physical exam, ECG and recommended further investigations. PDFs available here: https://rhesusmedicine.com/products/assessment-or-interpretationConsider subscribing on YouTube (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 Chest Pain Introduction0:40 Acute Coronary Syndrome3:17 Tension Pneumothorax4:03 Pulmonary Embolism5:14 Cardiac Tamponade6:30 Aortic Dissection7:43 Esophageal Rupture8:34 Cardiac vs Non Cardiac Chest Pain (Other Causes of Chest Pain) LINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. ReferencesBMJ Best Practice (2026) Assessment of chest pain – Differential diagnosis of symptoms. BMJ Publishing Group.Farkas, J. (2025) Approach to chest pain. EMCrit Project. Published 15 January 2025.McGill Journal of Medicine (n.d.) Approach to: Chest pain. McGill Journal of Medicine.Kendall, J.M. and Hancock, I. (2019) Chest Pain Syndromes. RCEMLearning EMFP. Published 16 July 2019.

An approach to dyspnea (shortness of breath), including the dyspnea pyramid to remember the differentials, as well as key investigations that help identify the cause, as well as common patterns in the history and physical examination. PDFs available here: https://rhesusmedicine.com/products/assessment-or-interpretationConsider subscribing on YouTube (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 What is Dyspnea?0:19 The Dyspnea Pyramid2:50 Dyspnea History & Physical Exam Patterns4:43 Dyspnea InvestigationsLINK TO MNEMONICS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-XE7PiwGgE&list=PLGNSE_HvIV4t7a33bbHN1fq-j_tge0GmpLINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. ReferencesBMJ Best Practice (2025) Evaluation of dyspnoea in adults. BMJ Publishing Group.BMJ Best Practice (2025) Acute dyspnoea. BMJ Publishing Group.National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2025) Breathlessness. Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS).MSD Manual Professional Edition (2025) Dyspnea. MSD Manual Professional Edition.StatPearls (2024) Dyspnea. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.Parshall, M.B., Schwartzstein, R.M., Adams, L., Banzett, R.B., Manning, H.L., Bourbeau, J., Calverley, P.M.A., Gift, A.G., Harver, A., Lareau, S.C., Mahler, D.A. and O'Donnell, D.E. (2012) An Official American Thoracic Society Statement: Update on the Mechanisms, Assessment, and Management of Dyspnea. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 185(4), pp.435–452.

Chest X-ray interpretation made easy, a systematic approach to reading CXR. See on YouTube for pathology examples! PDFs available here: https://rhesusmedicine.com/products/assessment-or-interpretationConsider subscribing (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 Chest X-Ray Basics0:37 D- Details0:55 R - Radiography and Image Quality2:49 A - Airway & Bronchi3:50 B - Breathing (Lungs & Pleura)6:33 C - Cardiac & Circulation (Heart & Systemic Vessels)8:51 D - Diaphragm and Below9:54 E - External (Bones & Soft Tissues)10:51 F -  Foreign Bodies 11:19 Closing ThoughtsLINK TO MORE MNEMONICS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-XE7PiwGgE&list=PLGNSE_HvIV4t7a33bbHN1fq-j_tge0GmpLINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. ReferencesRadiopaedia (2025) Chest radiograph. Radiopaedia.org. Available at: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/chest-radiograph?lang=gbRadiopaedia (2025) Chest X-ray review: ABCDEF. Radiopaedia.org. Available at: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/chest-x-ray-review-abcdef?lang=gbWard, D. and Potter, L. (2024) Chest X-ray interpretation: a methodical approach. Geeky Medics. Available at: https://geekymedics.com/chest-x-ray-interpretation-a-methodical-approach/Cadogan, M. (2023) ABC of CXR interpretation. Life in the Fast Lane (LITFL). Available at: https://litfl.com/abc-of-cxr-interpretation/

Liver Function Test (LFT) Interpretation made easy, reviewing the tests included within an LFT as well as the main patterns of Cholestatic vs Hepatocellular injury seen, as well as potential causes. Also includes further details on bilirubin, albumin and clotting profiles, as well as some LFT interpretation pearls and further investigations. PDFs available here: https://rhesusmedicine.com/products/assessment-or-interpretationConsider subscribing on YouTube (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 What are Liver Function Tests? 1:43 LFT Cholestatic Pattern3:07 LFT Hepatocellular Pattern 5:18 LFT Bilirubin7:46 LFT Albumin & Clotting Profile8:25 LFT Interpretation Pearls9:54 LFT Interpretation Further InvestigationsLINK TO MNEMONICS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-XE7PiwGgE&list=PLGNSE_HvIV4t7a33bbHN1fq-j_tge0GmpLINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. ReferencesGeeky Medics (2025) Interpretation of liver function tests (LFTs). Geeky Medics. Available at: https://geekymedics.com/interpretation-of-liver-function-tests-lfts/NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (2024) Assessing liver function and interpreting liver blood tests. Specialist Pharmacy Service. Available at: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/assessing-liver-function-and-interpreting-liver-blood-tests/ (SPS - Specialist Pharmacy Service)Parsons, G. (2023) ‘Understanding liver function tests: part 1’, Prescriber, 34(7), pp. 19–23. doi: 10.1002/psb.2079. Available at: https://wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/psb.2079 (wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (2022) Liver Function Tests in Adults: A Guide for GPs (PATH 025). Available at: https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/pathology/documents/clinical_guidelines/PATH_025_Liver_Function_Tests_in_Adults_A_Guide_for_GPs.pdf (ruh.nhs.uk)

An approach to interpreting urinalysis, particularly urine dipstick interpretation. Includes main differentials for each test on the dipstick, alongside tips on urine inspection prior to dipping, as well as potential next stepsPDFs available at: https://rhesusmedicine.com/pages/assessment-or-interpretationConsider subscribing on YouTube (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 What is Urinalysis? 0:21 Urine Inspection - Colour, Turbidity, Odour2:04 Urine Dipstick Process2:35 Urine Dipstick Interpretation7:25 Next StepsLINK TO MNEMONICS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-XE7PiwGgE&list=PLGNSE_HvIV4t7a33bbHN1fq-j_tge0GmpLINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. 

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) explained, including pathophysiology, causes and a mnemonic for SLE symptoms (SOAP BRAIN MD). We also cover the EULAR / ACR diagnostic criteria for SLE, as well as SLE treatment. PDFs available at: https://rhesusmedicine.com/pages/rheumatologyConsider subscribing on YouTube (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps 0:00 What is SLE? (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)1:02 SLE Pathophysiology3:08 SLE Causes4:21 SLE Symptoms (SLE Mnemonic SOAP BRAIN MD)7:13 SLE Diagnosis (EULAR & ACR criteria)9:22 SLE TreatmentLINK TO MNEMONICS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-XE7PiwGgE&list=PLGNSE_HvIV4t7a33bbHN1fq-j_tge0GmpLINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/ReferencesBMJ Best Practice (2025) Systemic lupus erythematosus – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. BMJ Best Practice. Available at: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/103Lupus Foundation of America (n.d.) The history of lupus. Lupus Foundation of America. Available at: https://www.lupus.org/resources/the-history-of-lupusEdRheum (n.d.) Systemic lupus erythematosus. EdRheum. Available at: https://edrheum.org/systemic-lupus/MSD Manual Professional Edition (2025) Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MSD Manual Professional Edition. Available at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/musculoskeletal-and-connective-tissue-disorders/systemic-rheumatic-diseases/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-slePlease remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. 

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardiac Syndrome (POTS) explained, including proposed pathophysiology, as well as different subtypes. We also review signs and symptoms of POTS, as well as POTS diagnosis and criteria as well as POTS treatment. PDFs available at: https://rhesusmedicine.com/pages/cardiologyConsider subscribing on YouTube (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 What is Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome?0:23 Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Pathophysiology2:57 Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Symptoms3:53 Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Diagnosis5:07 Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome TreatmentLINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/ReferencesBMJ Best Practice (2025) Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. BMJ Best Practice. Available at: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000308PoTS UK (n.d.) Home. PoTS UK. Available at: https://www.potsuk.org/Raj, S.R., Guzman, J.C., Harvey, P. et al. (2020) ‘Canadian Cardiovascular Society position statement on postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and related disorders of chronic orthostatic intolerance’, Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 36(3), pp. 357–372. Available at: https://onlinecjc.ca/article/S0828-282X(19)31550-8/fulltextPlease remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice. 

Anaphylaxis explained including anaphylaxis pathophysiology (immunologic vs non immunologic), clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment. Includes recognition of airway compromise, use of intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine), biphasic anaphylaxis, refractory anaphylaxis, and the immunology underlying type 1 hypersensitivity reactions. PDFs available at: https://rhesusmedicine.com/pages/topicsConsider subscribing (if you found any of the info useful!): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRks8wB6vgz0E7buP0L_5RQ?sub_confirmation=1Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rhesusmedicineBuy Us A Coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rhesusmedicineTimestamps:0:00 What is Anaphylaxis?0:32 Anaphylaxis Pathophysiology4:08 Anaphylaxis Causes5:28 Anaphylaxis Symptoms7:44 Anaphylaxis Diagnosis8:32 Anaphylaxis TreatmentLINK TO MNEMONICS:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-XE7PiwGgE&list=PLGNSE_HvIV4t7a33bbHN1fq-j_tge0GmpLINK TO SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/rhesusmedicine/ReferencesBMJ Best Practice (2025) Anaphylaxis – Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Available at: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/501British Society for Immunology (2021) Anaphylaxis. Available at: https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/immune-dysfunction/anaphylaxisRCEMLearning (2023) Anaphylaxis. Available at: https://www.rcemlearning.co.uk/reference/anaphylaxis/Simons, F.E.R., Ardusso, L.R.F., Bilo, M.B., El-Gamal, Y.M., Ledford, D.K., Ring, J., Sanchez-Borges, M., Senna, G.E., Sheikh, A. and Thong, B.Y. (2018) World Allergy Organization anaphylaxis guidance 2018. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 141(2), pp. 419–420.e1. Available at: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(18)30571-2/fulltextTurner, P.J., Worm, M., Ansotegui, I.J. and El-Gamal, Y.M. (2024) IgE and non-IgE-mediated pathways in anaphylaxis. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12350582/Cardona, V., Ansotegui, I.J., Ebisawa, M., El-Gamal, Y., Fernandez Rivas, M., Fineman, S., Geller, M., Gonzalez-Estrada, A., Greenberger, P.A., Sanchez Borges, M., Senna, G., Sheikh, A. and Tanno, L.K. (2020) ‘World allergy organization anaphylaxis guidance 2020’, World Allergy Organization Journal, 13(10), p. 100472. doi:10.1016/j.waojou.2020.100472.Please remember this podcast and all content from Rhesus Medicine is meant for educational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to diagnose or to treat. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.