Tag: Pathology

In medical pathology, the “nutmeg appearance” is a descriptive term for a speckled or mottled pattern on an organ, most notably the liver. This distinctive look is a sign of chronic passive congestion, often resulting from underlying heart failure, and resembles the cross-section of a grated nutmeg kernel.

Historically known for decimating sailors on long voyages, severe vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, leaves distinct and devastating marks on the human body. A post-mortem examination reveals how the condition's impact on collagen synthesis leads to widespread tissue and organ damage. This article details what were the autopsy findings of scurvy based on historical accounts and modern pathological understanding.

Medical students and clinicians often use mnemonics to organize their thought process and ensure no critical factors are overlooked during patient assessment. The mnemonic VITAMIN CDEF is one such tool, designed to help clinicians systematically work through a broad range of potential pathologies when forming a differential diagnosis.

Over 95% of megaloblastic anemia cases are linked to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. A megaloblast is an abnormally large, immature red blood cell precursor found in the bone marrow, signaling a disruption in DNA synthesis.