Anatomy, Biochemistry Mnemonics

Anatomy Mnemonics BY ORIBA
DAN LANGOYA, MBchB,
MAKchs
Bones of the Wrist
Some Lovers Try Positions That They Cannot Handle
Slowly Lower Tilly's Pants To The Curly Hairs
Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium,
Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate
Brachial Plexus
Randy Travis Drinks Cold Beers Robert Taylor Drinks
Cold Beer
Roots, Trunks, Divisions, Cords, Branches
Branches of the Brachial Plexus (In order from most
lateral to most medial)
My Aunt Raped My Uncle
Musculocutaneous, Axillary, Radial, Median, Ulnar
Extraocularmotor muscles
LR6 (SO4) LR6: Lateral rectus --> VI abductens
SO4: Superior Oblique --> IV Trochlear
All other extraocularmotor muscles are CN III
Branches of the Facial Nerve
Ten Zebras Bought My Car
Ten Zebras Bit My Cock
Two Zulus Buggered My Cat
To Zanzibar By Motor Car
Temporal, Zygomatic, Buccal, Masseteric, Cervical
Innervation of phrenic nerve
c345 keeps the phrenic alive
c345 keep the diaphragm alive
Long thoracic nerve innervates serratus anterior
c5-6-7 raise your arms to heaven
Relationship of Thorasic duct to Esophagous and
Azygous
The duck is between two gooses.
duck = thoracic duct 2 gooses = azyGOUS and
esophaGOUS
Attachments of Pectoralis Major, Teres Major and
Latissimus Drosi
A lady between tow majors.
Pectoralis major attaches to lateral lip of bicipital groove,
the teres major attaches to medial lip of bicipital groove,
and the latissimus dorsi attaches to the floor of bicipital
groove. The "lati" is between two "majors."
Innervation of the Penis
Parasympathetic puts it up; sympathetic spurts it out.
Point Shoot Score
Parasympathetic, sympathetic, somatomotor
Lateral and Medial Pectoral Nerve
Lateral is less, medial is more.
Lateral pectoral nerves goes through pectoralis major
while medial pn goes though both pectoral major and
minor.
Layers of the epidermis
Granpa Shagging Grandma's Love Child.
Brent Spiner Gained Lieutenant Commander
Germinativum or Basale, Spinosum, Granulosum,
Lucidum, Corneum
Tarsal bones
"Tall Californian Navy Medcial Interns Lay Cuties":

· In order (right foot, superior to inferior, medial to
lateral): Talus Calcanous Navicular Medial cuneiform
Intermediate cuneiform Lateral cuneifrom Cuboid
Bronchopulmonary segments of right lung
"A PALM Seed Makes Another Little Palm":
· In order from superior to inferior: Apical Posterior
Anterior Lateral Medial Superior Medial basal Anterior
basal Lateral basal Posterior basal
Head & Neck
CRANIAL NERVES: I-Optic, II-Olfactory, III-
Oculomotor, IV-Trochlear, V-Trigeminal, VI-
Abducens, VII-Facial, VIII-Acoustic
(Vestibulocochlear), IX-Glossophrayngeal, X-Vagus,
XI-Spinal Accessory, XII-Hypoglossal
On Old Olympus Towering Tops, A Finn And German
Viewed Some Hops (older and cleaner)
Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel A Girls Vagina And
Hymen (newer and, well ...)
Which cranial nerve is Sensory, Motor, or Both- Some
Say Marry Money, But My Brother Says Big Breasts
Matter More
BRANCHES OF FACIAL NERVE: Temporal,
Zygomatic, Buccal, Mandibular, Cervical
Ten Zebras Beat My Cock
Two Zulus buggered my cat –(for the sicker, amongst
you!)
You have I nose. You have II eyes. (I - Olfactory; II --
Optic)
Standing Room Only -Exit of branches of trigeminal
nerve from the skull S
V1 -Superior orbital fissure, V2 -foramen Rotundum,
V3 -foramen Ovale
For the order of nerves that pass through the superior
orbital fissure:
"Lazy French Tarts Lie Naked in
Anticipation."
(Lacrimal, Frontal, Trochlear, Lateral,
Nosociliary, Internal,
Abducens)
2 Muscle of mastication- Lateral Lowers- lateral
pterygoid is the one that opens the jaw
4 Muscles of Mastication MTPP( which could be read
as "Empty Peepee") -masseter, temporal, lateral and
medial pterygoids --
Arteries as they come off the external carotid:
Superior thyroid, Ascending pharyngeal, Lingual,
Facial, Occipital, Post Auricular, Superficial temporal,
Maxillary
Some Anatomists Like making babiesing, Others
Prefer S & M
Some Angry Lady Figured out PMS
Innervation of Extraocular motor Muscles: LR6 SO4 3
LR6--Lateral rectus--> VI abductens
SO4--Superior Oblique--> IV Trochlear
3--The remaining 4 eyeball movers = III Oculomotor
ABC'S of the aortic arch!
Aortic arch gives off the Bracheiocephalic trunk,
the left Common Carotid, and the left

Subclavian artery
BRACHIAL PLEXUS: Roots, Trunks, Divisions,
Cords, Branches
Robert Taylor Drinks Cold Beer.
CERVICAL SPINAL NERVES:
c345 keeps the phrenic alive (innervation of phrenic
nerve) c345 keep the diaphragm alive (innervation of
diaphragm)
c5-6-7 raise your arms to heaven (nerve roots of long
thoracic nerve innervate serratus anterior)
Cranial Bones
Annoying, aren't they?
The cranial bones are the PEST OF 6...
Parietal,
Ethmoid,Sphenoid,Temporal,Occipital,Frontal- 6 ? (6-
the number of bones!)
( another one) Old People From Texas Eat Spiders.
LOCATION OF THORACIC DUCT: The duck is
between two gooses (duck = thoracic duct) 2 gooses =
azyGOUS and esophaGOUS
Cartilages of the Larynx - There are 4 cartilages in the
larynx whose initial letters are TEAC (also the
brandname of a home stereo).
Thyroid, Epiglottis, Arytenoid, Cricoid
Abdomen-Pelvis
INNERVATION OF PENIS:
Parasympathetic puts it up; sympathetic spurts it out
Point , Shoot, Score! (erection, emmision ,ejaculation)
Parasympathetic, Sympathetic , Somatomotor
"S2, 3, 4 keep the penis off the floor" Innervation of the
penis by branches of the pudental nerve, derived from
spinal cord levels S2-4
Structures perforating the esophagus
"At T8 you see, perforates the IVC" (inferior Vena
Cava)
the "EsoVagus" pierce T10 (esophagus, vagus nerve)
T12 - red, white and blue (aorta,thoracic duct,azygous
vein)
Femoral Sheath (lateral to medial) order of things in
thigh -NAVEL
Nerve, Artery, Vein, Empty, Space, Lymphatics
Radial n. innervates the BEST!!!!
Brachioradialis
Extensors
Supinator
Triceps
Course of Ureters
Water runs under the bridge (uterine a. and ductus
deferens)
Carotid Sheath-- VAN
Internal Jugular Vein
Common carotid Artery
Vagus Nerve
Dermatomes
C3 is a high turtleneck shirt

T4 is at the nipple
L1 is at the inguinal ligament (or L1 is IL -Inguinal
ligament)
Randy Travis Drinks Cold Beer--Brachial plexus
Robert Taylor Drinks Cold Beer
Roots, Trunks, Divisions, Cords, Branches
Bones of the wrist -Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum,
Pisiform, Trapezium,
Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate
1. Slowly Lower Tilly's Pants To The Curly Hairs
2. Swifty Lower Tilly's Pants to try coitus here. (the
risque version)
3.Scared Lovers Try Positions That They Can't
Handle. (Classic version)
Pelvic Diaphragm
PICOLO(A) -Posterior to anterior
PIriformis
COccygeus
Levator Ani
Pelvic Splanchic-Parasympathetic
Sacral Splanchic-Sympathetic
Armies travel over bridges, the Navy travels under.
(Bridge is the ligament...reference to suprascapular
artery and nerve.)
Pad, dab. Dorsal ABduct...Palmar
ADduct...interosseous muscles of hand/foot.
Layers of the epidermis-Germinativum or Basale,
Spinosum, Granulosum, Lucidum, Corneum
Grandpa Shagging Grandma's Love Child.
Limbic System- the 5 F’s- Feeding, Fighting, Feeling,
Flight and making babiesing
The 5 sphincters found in the Alimentary Canal are
APE OIL:
Anal, Pyloric, Lower Esophogeal, Oddi, and Ileocecum.
Sally Thompson Loves Sex And Pot pie. The branches
of the Axillary Artery are: Superior Thoracic,
Thoracoacromial, Lateral Thoracic, Subscapular,
Anterior Circumflex Humeral, Posterior Circumflex
Humeral, and Profunda Brachii.
TIRE- four abdominal muscles -- transversus, internal
oblique, rectus abdominus, and external oblique
Anesthesia Mnemonics
Spinal anesthesia agents
"Little Boys Prefer Toys":

Lidocaine
Bupivicaine
Procaine
Tetracaine
Xylocaine: where not to use with epinephrine
"Nose, Hose, Fingers and Toes"
· Vasoconstrictive effects of xylocaine with
epinephrine are helpful in providing hemostasis
while suturing. However, may cause local ischemic
necrosis in distal structures such as the digits, tip of
nose, penis, ears.
General anaesthesia: equipment check prior to
inducing
MALES:
Masks
Airways
Laryngoscopes
Endotracheal tubes
Suction/ Stylette, bougie
Endotracheal intubation: diagnosis of poor
bilateral breath sounds after intubation
DOPE:
Displaced (usually right mainstem, pyreform fossa,
etc.)
Obstruction (kinked or bitten tube, mucuous plug,
etc.)
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Esophagus
Anesthesia machine/room check
MS MAID:
Monitors (EKG, SpO2, EtCO2, etc)
Suction
Machine check (according to ASA guidelines)
Airway equipment (ETT, laryngoscope, oral/nasal
airway)
IV equipment
Drugs (emergency, inductions, NMBs, etc)
Anesthesia: quick check
SOAP:
Suction
Oxygen
Airway
Pharmacology
Anesthetics equipment check
MISMADE:
Machine check
IV supplies
Suction
Monitors
Airways
Drugs
Equipment
Failed intubation: causes
INTUBATION:
Infections of larynx
Neck mobility abnormalities
Teeth abnormalites (eg poor dentifom, loose and
protuberant teeth)
Upper airway abnormalities, strictures, or swellings
Bullsneck deformities
Ankylosing spondylitis
Trauma/ TumourInexperienceOedema of upper
airwayNarrowing of lower airway
Respiratory complications of anaesthesia:
patients at risk
COUPLES:
COPD
Obese
Upper abdominal surgery
Prolonged bed rest
Long surgery
Elderly
Smokers
Biochemistry Mnemonics
Essential Amino Acids
 PriVaTe TIM HALL
 Phe, Val, Thr, Trp, Ile, Met, His, Arg, Leu, Lys
Urea Cycle
 Ordinarily, Careless Crappers, Are Also Frivolous
About Urination.
 Ornithine, Carbamoyl, Citrulline,
Arginosuccinate, Aspartate, Fumarate, Arginine,
Urea.

Cell division
 Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase.
 "People Meet And Talk."
In the Phasted State
 Phosphorylate Phosphorylation cascade active
when blood glucose low.
 DNA expression into mature mRNA
 Exons expressed, Introns in the trash.
 Pyrimidines are CUT from purines.
 Pyrimidines are Cytosine, Uracil, Thiamine and
are one ring structures.
 Purines are double ring structures.
Amino Acids:The ten essential amino acids:
"These Ten Valuable Amino Acids Have
Long Preserved Life In
Man."
(Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine, Arginine,
Histidine, Lysine,
Phenylalanine, Leucine, Isoleucine,
Methionine)
GOAT FLAP- Eight hormones: Growth hormone,
Oxytocin, Adenocorticotropin, Thyroid stimulating
hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone, Leutinizing
hormone (interstitial cell stimulating hormone in
males), Anti-diruetic(Vasopressin), and Prolactin
(shhhh.... also Melatonin!)
Hypervitaminosis A: signs and symptoms
"Increased Vitamin A makes you HARD":
Headache/ Hepatomegaly
Anorexia/ Alopecia
Really painful bones
Dry skin/ Drowsiness
Enzymes: classification
"Over The HILL":
Oxidoreductases
Transferases
Hydrolases
Isomerases
Ligases
Lyases
· Enzymes get reaction over the hill.
B vitamin names
"The Rhythm Nearly Proved Contagious":
· In increasing order: Thiamine (B1) Riboflavin (B2)
Niacin (B3) Pyridoxine (B6) Cobalamin (B12)
Glycolysis steps
"Goodness Gracious, Father Franklin Did Go By Picking
Pumpkins (to) Prepare Pies":
Glucose
Glucose-6-P
Fructose-6-P
Fructose-1,6-diP
Dihydroxyacetone-P
Glyceraldehyde-P
1,3-Biphosphoglycerate
3-Phosphoglycerate

2-Phosphoglycerate (to)
Phosphoenolpyruvate [PEP] Pyruvate · 'Did', 'By' and
'Pies' tell you the first part of those three: di-, bi-, and py-.
· 'PrEPare' tells location of PEP in the process.
Fasting state: branched-chain amino acids used by
skeletal muscles
"Muscles LIVe fast":
Leucine
Isoleucine
Valine
Infantile Beriberi symptoms
Restlessness Sleeplessness Breathlessness Soundlessness
(aphonia) Eatlessness (anorexia) Great heartedness (dilated
heart)
· Alternatively: Get 5 of 'em with BERI: Breathless/ Big
hearted, Eatless, Restless, Insomnia.
Folate deficiency: causes A FOLIC DROP:
Alcoholism
Folic acid antagonists
Oral contraceptives
Low dietary intake
Infection with Giardia
Celiac sprue
Dilatin
Relative folate deficiency
Old
Pregnant
Vitamin B3 (niacin, nicotinic acid) deficiency: pellagra
The 3 D's of pellagra: Dermatitis Diarrhea Dementia
· Note vitamin B3 is the 3 D's.
Porphyrias: acute intermittent porphyria symptoms 5
P's:
Pain in abdomen
Polyneuropathy
Psychologial abnormalities
Pink urine
Precipitated by drugs (eg barbiturates, oral contraceptives,
sulpha drugs)
Cardiology Mnemonics
Aortic stenosis characteristics SAD:
Syncope
Angina
Dyspnoea
MI: basic management BOOMAR:
Bed rest
Oxygen
Opiate
Monitor
Anticoagulate
Reduce clot size
ECG: left vs. right bundle block "WiLLiaM
MaRRoW":
W pattern in V1-V2 and M pattern in V3-V6 is
Left bundle block.
M pattern in V1-V2 and W in V3-V6 is Right
bundle block.
· Note: consider bundle branch blocks when QRS

complex is wide.
Pericarditis: causes CARDIAC RIND:
Collagen vascular disease
Aortic aneurysm
Radiation
Drugs (such as hydralazine)
Infections
Acute renal failure
Cardiac infarction
Rheumatic fever
Injury
Neoplasms
Dressler's syndrome
Murmurs: systolic types SAPS:
Systolic
Aortic
Pulmonic
Stenosis
· Systolic murmurs include aortic and pulmonary
stenosis.
· Similarly, it's common sense that if it is aortic
and pulmonary stenosis it could also be mitral and
tricusp regurgitation].
MI: signs and symptoms PULSE:
Persistent chest pains
Upset stomach
Lightheadedness
Shortness of breath
Excessive sweating
Heart compensatory mechanisms that 'save'
organ blood flow during shock "Heart
SAVER":
Symphatoadrenal system
Atrial natriuretic factor
Vasopressin
Endogenous digitalis-like factor
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
· In all 5, system is activated/factor is released
Murmurs: right vs. left loudness "RILE":
Right sided heart murmurs are louder on
Inspiration.
Left sided heart murmurs are loudest on
Expiration.
· If get confused about which is which, remember
LIRE=liar which will be inherently false.
ST elevation causes in ECG, ELEVATION:
Electrolytes
LBBB
Early repolarization
Ventricular hypertrophy
Aneurysm
Treatment (eg pericardiocentesis)
Injury (AMI, contusion)
Osborne waves (hypothermia)
Non-occlusive vasospasm
Beck's triad (cardiac tamponade) 3 D's:
Distant heart sounds
Distended jugular veins
Decreased arterial pressure
MI: therapeutic treatment ROAMBAL:
Reassure
Oxygen
Aspirin
Morphine (diamorphine)
Beta blocker
Arthroplasty
Lignocaine
CHF: causes of exacerbation FAILURE:
Forgot medication
Arrhythmia/ Anaemia
Ischemia/ Infarction/ Infection
Lifestyle: taken too much salt
Upregulation of CO: pregnancy, hyperthyroidism
Renal failure
Embolism: pulmonary

Murmurs: systolic vs. diastolic PASS:
Pulmonic & Aortic Stenosis=Systolic.
PAID: Pulmonic & Aortic
Insufficiency=Diastolic.
Murmurs: systolic vs. diastolic Systolic
murmurs: MR AS: "MR. ASner".
Diastolic murmurs: MS AR: "MS. ARden".
· The famous people with those surnames are Mr.
Ed Asner and Ms. Jane Arden.
Mitral stenosis (MS) vs. regurgitation (MR):
epidemiology MS is a female title (Ms.) and it is
female predominant.
MR is a male title (Mr.) and it is male
predominant.
Pericarditis: EKG "PericarditiS":
PR depression in precordial leads.
ST elevation.
Jugular venous pressure (JVP) elevation:
causes HOLT: Grab Harold Holt around the neck
and throw him in the ocean:
Heart failure
Obstruction of venea cava
Lymphatic enlargement - supraclavicular
Intra-Thoracic pressure increase
Depressed ST-segment: causes DEPRESSED
ST:
Drooping valve (MVP)
Enlargement of LV with strain
Potassium loss (hypokalemia)
Reciprocal ST- depression (in I/W AMI)
Embolism in lungs (pulmonary embolism)
Subendocardial ischemia
Subendocardial infarct
Encephalon haemorrhage (intracranial
haemorrhage)
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Shock
Toxicity of digitalis, quinidine
Murmurs: innocent murmur features 8 S's:
Soft
Systolic
Short
Sounds (S1 & S2) normal
Symptomless
Special tests normal (X-ray, EKG)
Standing/ Sitting (vary with position)
Sternal depression
Murmur attributes "IL PQRST" (person has ill
PQRST heart waves):
Intensity
Location
Pitch
Quality
Radiation
Shape
Timing
Murmurs: locations and descriptions "MRS
butt":
MRS: Mitral Regurgitation--Systolic
butt: Aortic Stenosis--Systolic
· The other two murmurs, Mitral stenosis and
Aortic regurgitation, are obviously diastolic.
Betablockers: cardioselective betablockers
"Betablockers Acting Exclusively At
Myocardium"
· Cardioselective betablockers are:
Betaxolol
Acebutelol
Esmolol
Atenolol
Metoprolol
Apex beat: abnormalities found on palpation,
causes of impalpable HILT:
Heaving
Impalpable
Laterally displaced
Thrusting/ Tapping
· If it is impalpable, causes are COPD:
COPD

Obesity
Pleural, Pericardial effusion
Dextrocardia
MI: treatment of acute MI COAG:
Cyclomorph
Oxygen
Aspirin
Glycerol trinitrate
Coronary artery bypass graft: indications
DUST:
Depressed ventricular function
Unstable angina
Stenosis of the left main stem
Triple vessel disease
Peripheral vascular insufficiency: inspection
criteria SICVD:
Symmetry of leg musculature
Integrity of skin
Color of toenails
Varicose veins
Distribution of hair
Heart murmurs "hARD ASS MRS. MSD":
hARD: Aortic Regurg = Diastolic
ASS: Aortic Stenosis = Systolic
MRS: Mitral Regurg = Systolic
MSD: Mitral Stenosis = Diastolic
Mitral regurgitation When you hear holosystolic
murmurs, think "MR-THEM ARE holosystolic
murmurs".
Sino-atrial node: innervation Sympathetic acts
on Sodium channels (SS).
Parasympathetic acts on Potassium channels
(PS).
Supraventricular tachycardia: treatment
ABCDE:
Adenosine
Beta-blocker
Calcium channel antagonist
Digoxin
Excitation (vagal stimulation)
Ventricular tachycardia: treatment LAMB:
Lidocaine
Amiodarone
Mexiltene/ Magnesium
Beta-blocker
Pulseless electrical activity: causes PATCH
MED:
Pulmonary embolus
Acidosis
Tension pneumothorax
Cardiac tamponade
Hypokalemia/ Hyperkalemia/ Hypoxia/
Hypothermia/ Hypovolemia
Myocardial infarction
Electrolyte derangements
Drugs
Sinus bradycardia: aetiology "SINUS
BRADICARDIA" (sinus bradycardia):
Sleep
Infections (myocarditis)
Neap thyroid (hypothyroid)
Unconsciousness (vasovagal syncope)
Subnormal temperatures (hypothermia)
Biliary obstruction
Raised CO2 (hypercapnia)
Acidosis
Deficient blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Imbalance of electrolytes
Cushing's reflex (raised ICP)
Aging
Rx (drugs, such as high-dose atropine)
Deep anaesthesia
Ischemic heart disease
Athletes
Rheumatic fever: Jones criteria · Major criteria:
CANCER:
Carditis
Arthritis

Nodules
Chorea
Erythema
Rheumatic anamnesis
· Minor criteria: CAFE PAL:
CRP increased
Arthralgia
Fever
Elevated ESR
Prolonged PR interval
Anamnesis of rheumatism
Leucocytosis
JVP: wave form ASK ME:
Atrial contraction
Systole (ventricular contraction)
Klosure (closure) of tricusps, so atrial filling
Maximal atrial filling
Emptying of atrium
· See diagram.
Coronary artery bypass graft: indications
DUST:
Depressed ventricular function
Unstable angina
Stenosis of the left main stem
Triple vessel disease
Exercise ramp ECG: contraindications
RAMP:
Recent MI
Aortic stenosis
MI in the last 7 days
Pulmonary hypertension
ECG: T wave inversion causes INVERT:
Ischemia
Normality [esp. young, black]
Ventricular hypertrophy
Ectopic foci [eg calcified plaques]
RBBB, LBBB
Treatments [digoxin]
Rheumatic fever: Jones major criteria JONES:
Joints (migrating polyarthritis)
Obvious, the heart (carditis, pancarditis,
pericarditis, endocarditis or valvulits)
Nodes (subcutaneous nodules)
Erythema marginatum
Sydenham's chorea
Myocardial infarctions: treatment
INFARCTIONS:
IV access
Narcotic analgesics (eg morphine, pethidine)
Facilities for defibrillation (DF)
Aspirin/ Anticoagulant (heparin)
Rest
Converting enzyme inhibitor
Thrombolysis
IV beta blocker
Oxygen 60%
Nitrates
Stool Softeners
Atrial fibrillation: causes PIRATES:
Pulmonary: PE, COPD
Iatrogenic
Rheumatic heart: mirtral regurgitation
Atherosclerotic: MI, CAD
Thyroid: hyperthyroid
Endocarditis
Sick sinus syndrome
Atrial fibrillation: management ABCD:
Anti-coagulate
Beta-block to control rate
Cardiovert
Digoxin
Anti-arrythmics: for AV nodes "Do Block AV":
Digoxin
B-blockers
Adenosine
Verapamil

Murmurs: systolic MR PV TRAPS:
Mitral
Regurgitation and
Prolaspe
VSD
Tricupsid
Regurgitation
Aortic and
Pulmonary
Stenosis
Apex beat: differential for impalpable apex
beat DOPES:
Dextrocardia
Obesity
Pericarditis or pericardial tamponade
Emphysema
Sinus inversus/ Student incompetence
Clinical Mnemonics
 CAUSES OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS:
 "GET SMASH'D"
o Gallstones, Ethanol, Trauma, Steroids,
Mumps, Autoimmune(PAN), Scorpion
bites, Hyperlipidemia,
Drugs(azathioprine, diuretics)
 A-P-G-A-R:
 A - appearance (color)
 P - pulse (heart rate)
 G - grimmace (reflex, irritability)
 A - activity (muscle tone)
 R - respiratory effort
 Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia: Each of the MENs is a
disease of three or two letters plus a feature.
 MEN I is a disease of 3 P's (pituitary, parathyroid,
and pancreas) plus adrenal cortex
 MEN II is a disease of 2 C's(carcinoma of thyroid
and catacholamines [pheochromocytoma]) plus
parathyroid for MEN IIa or mucocutaneous
neuromas for MEN IIB(aka MEN III)
 P-Q-R-S-T--eliciting and HPI and exploring
symptoms
 P--palliative or provocative factors for the pain
 Q--quality of pain(burning, stabbing, aching, etc.)
 R--region of body affected
 S--severity of pain(usually 1-10 scale)
 T--timing of pain(eg.-after meals, in the morning,
etc.)
 A-S-C-L-A-S-T--eliciting and HPI and exploring
symptoms
 A--aggravatiing and alleviating factors
 S--severity
 C--character, quality
 L--location
 A--associated sx
 S--setting
 T--timing
 note: ASCLAST means let the patient talk first,
then ask him/her specific questions
 Argyll-Robertson Pupil--syphilitic pupil:
Accommodation reflex present, Pupillary reflex absent due
to damage at pretectal area. Also called the "prostitute's
pupil" (accommodates but does not react).
 The five W's--post-operative fever
 Wind--pneumonia, atelectasis
 Wound--wound infections
 Water--urinary tract infection
 Walking--walking can help reduce deep vein
thromboses and pulmonary embolus
 Wonderdrugs--especially anesthesia
 Predisposing Conditions for Pulmonary Embolism:
TOM SCHREPFER
 T--trauma
 O--obesity
 M--malignancy
 S--surgery
 C--cardiac disease

 H--hospitalization
 R--rest (bed-bound)
 E--estrogen, pregnancy, post-partum
 P--past hx
 F--fracture
 E--elderly
 R--road trip
 ARTERIAL OCCLUSION:
 pain
 pallor
 pulselessness
 paresthesias
 HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS: "Anna Cycled
Immediately Downhill--Gell & Goombs" or "ACID."
 Type I Anaphylaxis
 Type II Cytotoxic-mediated
 Type III Immune-complex
 Type IV Delayed hypersensitivity
 WBC Count: "Never Let Mom Eat Beans" and "60, 30,
6, 3, 1"
 Neutrophils 60%
 Lymphocytes 30%
 Monocytes 6%
 Eosinophils 3%
 Basophils 1:
Abdominal swelling causes 5 F's:
Fat Feces Fluid Flatus Fetus Full-sized tumors
Patient examination organization SOAP:
Subjective: what the patient says.
Objective: what the examiner observes.
Assessment: what the examiner thinks is going on.
Plan: what they intend to do about it.
Vomiting: non-GIT differential ABCDEFGHI:
Acute renal failure Brain [increased ICP] Cardiac [inferior
MI] DKA Ears [labyrinthitis] Foreign substances [Tylenol,
theo, etc.] Glaucoma Hyperemesis gravidarum Infection
[pyelonephritis, meningitis]
Pain history checklist OPQRSTU:
Onset of pain (time, duration) Palliative factors for pain
Quality of pain (throbbing, stabbing, dull, etc.) Region of
body affected Severity of pain (usually scale of 1-10)
Timing of pain (after exercise, in evening, etc.) U: How
does it affect 'U' in your daily life?
· May wish to expand to OPPQRRSTTUVW, with the
extra letters representing:
Provocative factors Radiation (how does pain spread)
Treatments tried Deja Vu: Has this happened before?
Worry: What do you think or fear that it is?
Differential diagnosis checklist "A VITAMIN C"
A and C stand for Acquired and Congenital
· VITAMIN stands for:
Vascular
Inflammatory (Infectious and non-Infectious)
Trauma/ Toxins
Autoimmune
Metabolic
Idiopathic
Neoplastic

· Example usage: List causes of decreased vision: Central
retinal artery occlusion, Retinitis pigmentosa, Perforation
to gobe, Chronic Gentamycin use, Ruematoid arthritis,
Diabetes, Idiopathic, Any eye tumor, Myopia.
Sign vs. symptoms
Ign: something I can detect even if patient is unconscious.
sYMptom is something only hYM knows about.
Eyes: abbreviations for the eyes
You look OUt with Both eyes. Take the Right dose so you
won't OD [overdose]. The only one that is Left is OS.
· Both eyes=OU, Right eye=OD, Left eye=OS.
Medical history: disease checklist MJ THREADS:
Myocardial infarction Jaundice Tuberculosis
Hypertension Rheumatic fever/ Rheumatoid arthritis
Epilepsy Asthma Diabetes Strokes
Pain history checklist "On Days Feeling Low Character,
Run A Seven Pace Race":
Onset
Duration
Frequency
Location
Character
Radiation
Severity
Precipitating factors
Relieving factors
Pain history checklist ASK LAST:
Aggravating/ Alleviating
Severity
Karacter
Location
Associated symptoms
Setting
Timing
Pain history checklist SOCRATES:
Site
Onset
Character
Radiation
Alleviating factors/ Associated symptoms
Timing (duration, frequency)
Exacerbating factors
Severity
· Alternatively, Signs and Symptoms with the 'S'.
Symptom attributes "FAST LQQ'S":
Factors that make it better/worse
Associated manifestations
Setting
Timing
Location
Quality
Quantity
Severity
Heart valve auscultation sites "All Patients Take Meds":
· Reading from top left:
Aortic
Pulmonary
Tricuspid
Mitral
· See diagram.
· Alternatively: All Prostitutes Take Money.
· Alternatively: APe To Man.
Four point physical assessment of a disease
"I'm A People Person":
Inspection
Auscultation
Percussion
Palpation
Physical exam for 'lumps and bumps'

"6 Students and 3 Teachers go for CAMPFIRE":
Site, Size, Shape, Surface, Skin, Scar
Tenderness, Temperature, Transillumination
Consistency
Attachment
Mobility
Pulsation
Fluctuation
Irreducibility
Regional lymph nodes
Edge
Surgical sieve VANISHED:
Vascular
Accident & trauma
Neoplastic
Inflammatory
Septic
Haematologic/ Hereditary
Endocrinological
Degenerative
Differential diagnosis checklist "I VINDICATE":
Iatrogenic
Vascular
Infectious
Neoplastic
Degenerative/ Drugs
Inflammatory/ Idiopathic
Congenital
Allergic/ Autoimmune
Traumatic
Endocrinal & metabolic
Symptom sieve "TIN CAN BED DIP POG":
Trauma
Infection
Neoplasm
Cardiac
Autoimmune
Neurological
Blood/ Bone
Endocrine
Disintegration/ Degeneration
Drugs
Iatrogenic/ Idiopathic
Psychological
Paediatric
Obstetric
Gynaecological
Surgical sieve for diagnostic categories
INVESTIGATIONS:
Iatrogenic Neoplastic Vascular Endocrine Structural/
Mechanical Traumatic Inflammatory Genetic/ Congenital
Autoimmune Toxic Infective Old age/ Degenerative
Nutritional Spontaneous/ Idiopathic
Mental state examination: stages in order
"Assessed Mental State To Be Positively Clinically
Unremarkable":
Appearance and behaviour [observe state, clothing...]
Mood [recent spirit]
Speech [rate, form, content]
Thinking [thoughts, perceptions]
Behavioural abnormalities
Perception abnormalities
Cognition [time, place, age...]
Understanding of condition [ideas, expectations, concerns]
Branham sign: definition
BRAnham sign:
BRAdycardia after compression or excision of a large AV
fistula.

Glasgow coma scale: components and numbers
· Scale types is 3 V's: Visual response Verbal response
Vibratory (motor) response
· Scale scores are 4,5,6:
Scale of 4: see so much more Scale of 5: talking jive Scale
of 6: feels the pricks (if testing motor by pain withdrawl)
Meckel’s diverticulum- rule of 2’s
2 inches long,
2 feet from the ileocecal valve,
2% of the population
commonlly presents in the first 2 years of life
may contain 2 types of epithelial tissue
Pheochromocytoma-rule of 10s:
10% malignant
10% Bilateral
10% extraadrenal
10% calcified
10% children
10% familial
* discussed 10 times more often than actually seen
Aphasia
"BROKen aphasia" (Broca’s aphasia-broken speech)
"Wordys aphasia" (Wernicke’s aphasia- wordy, but
making no sense)
GET SMASH'D--Causes of Acute pancreatitis
Gallstones, Ethanol, Trauma, Steroids, Mumps,
Autoimmune(PAN), Scorpion bites, Hyperlipidemia,
Drugs(azathioprine, diuretics)
(Multiple endocrine neoplasia) Each of the MENs is a
disease of three or two letters plus a feature.
"MEN I" is a disease of the 3 Ps (pituitary, parathyroid
and pancreas)
plus adrenal cortex.
"MEN II " is a disease of the two Cs (carcinoma of the
thyroid and
catacholamines [pheochromocytoma]) plus parathyroid
for MEN IIa or
mucocutaneous neuromas for MEN IIb (aka MEN III).
Acute pneumonia caused by Pyogenic bacteria--PMN
infiltrate
Acute pneumonia caused by Miscellaneous microbes --
Mononuclear infiltrate
Argyll-Robertson Pupil--syphilitic pupil (AKA
"Prostitute's pupil" - Accommodates, but doesn't react
)
Accommodation reflex present, Pupillary reflex absent
CAGE--alcohol use screening
1. Have you ever felt it necessary to CUT DOWN on
your drinking?
2. Has anyone ever told you they were ANNOYED by
your drinking?

3. Have you ever felt GUILTY about your drinking?
4. Have you ever felt the need to have a drink in the
morning for an EYE OPENER?
P-Q-R-S-T--eliciting and HPI and exploring symptoms
P--palliative or provocative factors for the pain
Q--quality of pain(burning, stabbing, aching, etc.)
R--region of body affected
S--severity of pain(usually 1-10 scale)
T--timing of pain(eg.-after meals, in the morning, etc.)
The five W's--post-operative fever
Wind--pneumonia, atelectasis
Water--urinary tract infection
Wound--wound infections
Wonderdrugs--especially anesthesia
Walking--walking can help reduce deep vein
thromboses and pulmonary embolus
ACID or "Anna Cycled Immediately Downhill"
classification of hypersensitivity reactions
Type I - Anaphylaxis
Type II - Cytotoxic-mediated
Type III - Immune-complex
Type IV - Delayed hypersensitivity
WBC Count:
"Never Let Momma Eat Beans(60, 30, 6, 3, 1)
Neutrophils 60%
Lymphocytes 30%
Monocytes 6%
Eosinophils 3%
Basophils 1%
A-P-G-A-R:
A - appearance (color)
P - pulse (heart rate)
G - grimmace (reflex, irritability)
A - activity (muscle tone)
R - respiratory effort
Predisposing Conditions for Pulmonary Embolism:
TOM SCHREPFER
T--trauma
O--obesity
M--malignancy
S--surgery
C--cardiac disease
H--hospitalization
R--rest (bed-bound)
E--estrogen, pregnancy, post-partum
P--past hx

F--fracture
E--elderly
R--road trip
The 4 P's of arterial Occlusion: pain pallor
pulselessness paresthesias
The 4 T's of Anterior Mediastinal Mass:Thyroid
tumor,Thymoma,Teratoma, Terrible Lymphoma
Dermatology Mnemonics
Malignant melanoma: 3 sites with poor
prognosis
BANS:
Back of Arm
Neck
Scalp
Albinism: type I vs. II classification
"One has None. Two Accumulates":
Type I: have no pigment.
Type II: No pigment at birth, but accumulates as
person ages.
Generalized skin hyperpigmentation: causes
"With generalized, none of skin is SPARED":
Sunlight
Pregnancy
Addison's disease
Renal failure
Excess iron (haemochromatosis)
Drugs (eg busulphan)
Clubbing: causes
CLUBBING:
Cyanotic heart disease
Lung disease (hypoxia, lung cancer,
bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis)
UC/Crohn's disease
Biliary cirrhosis
Birth defect (harmless)
Infective endocarditis
Neoplasm (esp. Hodgkins)
GI malabsorption
Cutaneous inflammation patterns
"Pus of Pig Valve"
· Remove the vowels: PSFPGVLV:
Psoriaform
Spongiotic (eczematous)
Folliculitis
Panniculitis
Granulomatous
Vasculopathic
Lichenoid
Vessiculobullous
Nodules: painful cutaneous nodules causes
BENGAL CO.:
Blue rubber bleb nevus
Eccrine spiradenoma
Neurilemmoma/ Neuroma
Glomus tumor
Angiolipoma/ Angioleiomyoma/ Angiosarcoma
Leiomyoma
Cutaneous endometriosis/ Calcinosis cutis
Osteoma cutis
Wound healing: factors delaying

DID NOT HEAL:
Drugs
Infection/ Icterus/ Ischemia
Diabetes
Nutrition
Oxygen (hypoxia)
Toxins
Hypothermia/ Hyperthermia
EtOH
Acidosis
Local anesthetics
White patch of skin: differential
"Vitiligo PATCH":
Vitiligo
Pityriasis alba/ Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation
Age related hypopigmentation
Tinea versicolor/ Tuberous sclerosis (ashleaf macule)
Congenital birthmark
Hansen's (leprosy)
Psoriasis: pathophysiology
PSORIASIS:
Pink Papules/ Plaques/ Pinpoint bleeding (Auspitz sign)/
Physical injury (Koebner phenomenon)/ Pain
Silver Scale/ Sharp margins
Onycholysis/ Oil spots
Rete Ridges with Regular elongation
Itching
Arthritis/ Abscess (Munro)
Stratum corneum with nuclei, neutrophils
Immunologic
Stratum granulosum absent/ Stratum Spinosum thickening
Raynaud's phenomenon: causes
COLD HAND:
Cryoglobulins/ Cryofibrinogens
Obstruction/ Occupational
Lupus erythematosus, other connective tissue disease
Diabetes mellitus/ Drugs
Hematologic problems (polycythemia, leukemia, etc)
Arterial problems (atherosclerosis)
Neurologic problems (vascular tone)
Disease of unknown origin (idiopathic)
Embryology Mnemonics
Vitelline duct: closure time
VItelline duct normally closes around week VI of
intrauterine life.
Potter syndrome: features POTTER:
Pulmonary hypoplasia
Oligohydrominios
Twisted skin (wrinkly skin)
Twisted face (Potter facies)
Extremities defects
Renal agenesis (bilateral)
Placenta-crossing substances "WANT My Hot Dog":
Wastes
Antibodies
Nutrients
Teratogens
Microorganisms
Hormones/ HIV
Drugs
Cranial and spinal neural crest: major derivatives
GAMES:
Glial cells (of peripheral ganglia)
Arachnoid (and pia)

Melanocytes
Enteric ganglia
Schwann cells
Mesoderm components MESODERM:
Mesothelium (peritoneal, pleural, pericardial)/ Muscle
(striated, smooth, cardiac)
Embryologic Spleen/ Soft tissue/ Serous linings/ Sarcoma/
Somite
Osseous tissue/ Outer layer of suprarenal gland (cortex)/
Ovaries
Dura/ Ducts of genitalia
Endothelium
Renal Microglia
Mesenchyme/ Male gonad
Vasculogenesis vs. angiogenesis
"Vascu is new. Angi is pre": Vasculogenesis is new
vessels developing in situ from existing mesenchyme.
Angiogenesis is vessels develop from sprouting off pre-
existing arteries.
Weeks 2, 3, 4 of development: an event for each
Week Two: Bilaminar germ disc.
Week Three: Trilaminar germ disc.
Week Four: Four limbs appear.
Teratogenesis: when it occurs
TEratogenesis is most likely during organogenesis--
between the: Third and Eighth weeks of gestation.
Tetrology of Fallot "Don't DROP the baby":
Defect (VSD)
Right ventricular hypertrophy
Overriding aorta
Pulmonary stenosis
Lung development phases "Every Premature Child
Takes Air":
Embryonic period
Pseudoglandular period
Canalicular peroid
Terminal sac period
Alveolar period
Branchial arch giving rise to aorta
"Aor- from Four": Aorta is from fourth arch.
Neuroectoderm derivatives
Neuroectoderm gives rise to:

Neurons
Neuroglia
Neurohypophysis
piNeurol (pineal) gland
Tetrology of Fallot
"IHOP-International House of Pancakes":
Interventricular septal defect
Hypotrophy of right ventricle
Overriding aorta
Pulmonary stenosis
Woffian duct (mesonephric duct) derivatives.
Gardener's SEED:
· Female: Gartner's duct, cyst
· Male:
Seminal vesicles
Epididymis
Ejaculatory duct
Ductus deferens
Foregut derivatives
"Little Embryo People Do Like Swallowing, Producing
Gas": Lungs Esophagus Pancreas Duodenum (proximal)
Liver Stomach Pancreas Gall bladder
Emergency Mnemonics
Coma: conditions to exclude as cause MIDAS:
Meningitis
Intoxication
Diabetes
Air (respiratory failure)
Subdural/ Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Resuscitation: basic steps ABCDE:
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Drugs
Environment
Malignant hyperthermia treatment
"Some Hot Dude Better Give Iced Fluids Fast!"
(Hot dude = hypothermia):
Stop triggering agents
Hyperventilate/ Hundred percent oxygen
Dantrolene (2.5mg/kg)
Bicarbonate
Glucose and insulin
IV Fluids and cooling blanket
Fluid output monitoring/ Furosemide/ Fast heart
[tachycardia]
Vfib/Vtach drugs used according to ACLS "Every
Little Boy Must Pray":
Epinephrine
Lidocaine
Bretylium
Magsulfate
Procainamide
Coma causes checklist AEIOU TIPS:
Acidosis/ Alcohol
Epilepsy
Infection
Overdosed

Uremia
Trauma to head
Insulin: too little or or too much
Pyschosis episode
Stroke occurred
Shock: types RN CHAMPS:
Respiratory
Neurogenic
Cardiogenic
Hemorrhagic
Anaphylactic
Metabolic
Psychogenic
Septic
· Alternatively: "MR. C.H. SNAP", or "NH CRAMPS".
Shock: signs and symptoms TV SPARC CUBE:
Thirst
Vomiting
Sweating
Pulse weak
Anxious
Respirations shallow/rapid
Cool
Cyanotic
Unconscious
BP low
Eyes blank
Fall: potential causes CLADE SPADE:
Cardiovascular/ Cerebrovascular
Locomotor (skeletal, muscular, neurological)
Ageing (increased body sway, decreased reaction time)
Drugs (esp. antihypertensives, antipsychotics)
Environmental
Sensory deficits (eg. visual problems)
Psychological/ Psychiatric (depression)
Acute illness
Dementia
Epilepsy
Diabetic ketoacidosis management F*¢KING:
Fluids (crytalloids)
Urea (check it)
Creatinine (check it)/ Catheterize
K+ (potassium)
Insulin (5u/hour. Note: sliding scale no longer
recommended in the UK)
Nasogastic tube (if patient comatose)
Glucose (once serum levels drop to 12)
Asthma: management of acute severe "O S#!T":
Oxygen (high dose: >60%)
Salbutamol (5mg via oxygen-driven nebuliser)
Hydrocortisone (or prednisolone)
Ipratropium bromide (if life threatening)
Theophylline (or preferably aminophylline-if life
threatening)
V-fib/pulseless v-tach (new ACLS as of 2001)
"EVAL My Pumper":
Epinephrine Vasopressin Amiodarone (class IIb--better for
heart failure) Lidocaine (indeterminate - better for young,
healthy or persistent) MgSO4 (IIb for hypomagnesemic
state or torsades) Procainamide (IIb for
intermittent/recurrent VF/VT)
Trauma: motor vehicle accident considerations
I AM SCARED:
Impact (head-on, rear-end, t-bone, rollover, rotational etc.)
Auto vs. pedestrian, bike, motorcycle (start @ speed
>10mph) Medical history (cardiac, coagulolation, liver,
immuno, obese, prego) Speed (>50 mph?) Compartment
intrusion (>12 inches?) Age (<5 or >55 y.o.?) Restraints
(lap & shoulder, either, airbag, infant or child seat?)
Ejection/ Extrication (eject=25x greater death,
extr>20min) Death (at scene, same vehicle, other)
Decompression sickness

Boyle's law: volume of gas is inversely proportionate to its
pressure. · Therefore, BOYLE:
Breathe (as you ascend) Or Your Lung Explodes · Breathe
as you ascend after scuba diving, since the pressure
decreases on surfacing, so the gas volume in lungs
increases.
Pain history checklist
OLDER SAAB:
Onset Location Description (what does it feel like)
Exacerbating factors Radiation Severity Associated
symptoms Alleviating factors Before (ever experience this
before)
Asystole: treatment
"Have some asystole "TEA":
Transcutaneous pacing Epi Atropine
Endotrachial tube deliverable drugs
O NAVEL:
Oxygen Naloxone Atropine Ventolin (albuterol)
Epinephrine Lidocaine · If you can't get IV access
established, and have necessity to administer resuscitative
meds, remember you have the airway and can give the
above drugs. · Drug delivery is enhanced if diluted with
10cc NS and rapid introduced for aeresolization. ·
Alternatively, bare bone version is ALE, as above.
RLQ pain: differential
APPENDICITIS:
Appendicitis/ Abscess PID/ Period Pancreatitis Ectopic/
Endometriosis Neoplasia Diverticulitis Intussusception
Crohns Disease/ Cyst (ovarian) IBD Torsion (ovary)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Stones
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) causes
BATS:
Berry aneurysm Arteriovenous malformation/ Adult
polycystic kidney disease Trauma (eg being struck with
baseball bat) Stroke
Syncope causes, by system
HEAD HEART VESSELS:
· CNS causes include HEAD:
Hypoxia/ Hypoglycemia Epilepsy Anxiety Dysfunctional
brain stem (basivertebral TIA)
· Cardiac causes are HEART: Heart attack Embolism (PE)
Aortic obstruction (IHSS, AS or myxoma) Rhythm
disturbance, ventricular Tachycardia
· Vascular causes are VESSELS: Vasovagal Ectopic
(reminds one of hypovolemia) Situational Subclavian steal
ENT (glossopharyngeal neuralgia) Low systemic vascular
resistance (Addison's, diabetic vascular neuropathy)
Sensitive carotid sinus
Coma and signicantly reduced conscious state causes:
Causes COMA:
CO2 and CO excess Overdose: TCAs, Benzos, EtOH,
insulin, paracetamol, etc. Metabolic: BSL, Na+, K+,
Mg2+, urea, ammonia, etc. Apoplexy: stroke, SAH,
extradural, subdural, Ca, meningitis, encephalitis, cerebral
abscess, etc.
ENT Mnemonics

Oralpharangeal cancers: aetiology
6 S's:
Smoking
Spicy food
Syphilis
Spirits [booze]
Sore tooth
Sepsis
· Also bezel nuts.
Ear drops: direction to pull ear when instilling
For an grown UP it is UP.
For a chilD it is Down.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: classic symptoms
NOSE:
Neck mass
Obstructed nasal passage
Serous otitis media externa
Epistaxis or discharge
Gastroenterology Mnemonics
Ulcerative colitis: definition of a severe attack
A STATE:
Anemia less than 10g/dl
Stool frequency greater than 6 stools/day with blood
Temperature greater than 37.5
Albumin less than 30g/L
Tachycardia greater than 90bpm
ESR greater than 30mm/hr
Vomiting: extra GI differential
VOMITING:
Vestibular disturbance/ Vagal (reflex pain)
Opiates
Migrane/ Metabolic (DKA, gastroparesis,
hypercalcemia)
Infections
Toxicity (cytotoxic, digitalis toxicity)
Increased ICP, Ingested alcohol
Neurogenic, psychogenic
Gestation
Pancreatitis (acute): causes
I GET SMASHED:
Idiopathitic
Gallstones
Ethanol
Trauma
Steroids
Mumps
Autoimmune (PAN)
Scorpion stings
Hyperlipidemia/ Hypercalcemia
ERCP
Drugs (including azathioprine and diuretics)
· Note: 'Get Smashed' is slang in some countries for
drinking, and ethanol is an important pancreatitis
cause.
· Note: Shortest answer is gallstones for women, and
ethanol for men. And scorpian stings for people from
Trinidad.
IBD: surgery indications
"I CHOP":
Infection
Carcinoma
Haemorrhage
Obstruction
Perforation
· "Chop" convenient since surgery chops them open.
Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer
(HNPCC) cause is DNA mismatch repair
DNA mismatch causes a bubble in the strand where
the two nucleotides don't match.
This looks like the ensuing polyps that arise in the
colon.
· See diagram.
IBD: extraintestinal manifestations
A PIE SAC:
Aphthous ulcers
Pyoderma gangrenosum
Iritis
Erythema nodosum
Sclerosing cholangitis
Arthritis
Clubbing of fingertips

Digestive disorders: pH level
With vomiting both the pH and food come up.
With diarrhea both the pH and food go down.
H. Pylori treatment regimen (rough guidelines)
"Please Make Tummy Better":
Proton pump inhibitor
Metronidazole
Tetracycline
Bismuth
· Alternatively: TOMB:
Tetracycline
Omeprazole
Metronidazole
Bismuth
Bilirubin: common causes for increased levels
"HOT Liver":
Hemolysis
Obstruction
Tumor
Liver disease
Ulcerative colitis: complications
"PAST Colitis":
Pyoderma gangrenosum
Sclerosing pericholangitis
Toxic megacolon
Colon carcinoma
Immunology Mnemonics
Hypersensitivity reactions: Gell and Goombs
nomenclature
ACID
· From I to IV:
Anaphylactic type: type I
Cytotoxic type: type II
Immune complex disease: type III
Delayed hypersensitivity (cell mediated): type IV
MHC I vs. II: T cell interaction
The "=8" equation:
2x4=8, and 1x8=8.
MHC II goes with CD4.
MHC I goes with CD8.
Immunoglobulin (Ig) types: the important ones
worth remembering, in order of appearance
MAGDElaine (a girl's name):
IgM
IgA
IgG
IgD
IgE
· Magdelaine tells you the order they usually appear:
M first, then A or G.
· Alternatively: IgM is IMmediate.
Acute inflammation features
SLIPR:
Swelling
Loss of function
Increased heat
Pain
Redness
· "What a cute pair of slippers" can be used to tie
acute inflammation to SLIPR.
Lupus signs and symptoms
SOAP BRAIN:
Serositis [pleuritis, pericarditis]
Oral ulcers
Arthritis
Photosensitivity
Blood [all are low - anemia, leukopenia,
thrombocytopenia]
Renal [protein]
ANA
Immunologic [DS DNA, etc.]
Neurologic [psych, seizures]
Goodpasture's Syndrome components
GoodPasture is Glomerulonephritis and
Pnuemonitits.
· From autoantibodies attacking Glomerular and
Pulmonary basement membranes.
Complement: function of C3a versus C3b
C3a: Activates Acute [inflammation].
C3b: Bonds Bacteria [to macrophages--easier
digestion].
· If wish to know more than just C3:
C3a, C4a, C5a activate acute.

C3b, C4b bind bacteria.
MHC I vs. MHC II properties
"Immunity helps to exterminate fun for bacteria"
· See attached chart.
HLA-DR genetic predisposition immune disease
examples
HLA-DR:
Hashimoto's disease
Leukemia/ Lupus
Autoimmune adrenalitis/ Anemia (pernicious)
Diabetes insipidous
Rheumatoid arthritis
Complement cascade initiating items: alternative
vs. classic
Classic: Combined Complexes.
Alternative: Activators Alone, or IgA.
· Complexes are made of Ab and Ag combined
together.
· Examples of activators: endotoxin, microbial
surface.
Internal Medicine Mnemonics
Pancytopaenia differential
"All Of My Blood Has Taken Some Poison":
Aplastic anaemias
Overwhelming sepsis
Megaloblastic anaemias
Bone marrow infiltration
Hypersplenism
TB
SLE
Paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria
Haematology: key numbers
3 and 4 are key in in haematology:
1.34 cm3 of oxygen is carried by a gram of
hemoglobin.
There's 3.4mg of iron in each gram of hemoglobin.
There's an average of 3.4 lobes per neutrophil.
There's 34mg bilirubin from each gram of
hemoglobin.
Back trouble causes
O, VERSALIUS (Versalius was the name of a
famous physician):
Osteomyelitis
Vertebral fracture
Extraspinal tumour
Spondylolisthesis
Lumbar disk increase
Intraspinal tumor
Unhappiness
Stress
Sports injuries: course of action
RICE:
Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
· RICE especially for fractures, sprains, muscle
strains, contusions
· Alternatively: I=Immobilization, C=Cold
compresses.
Back pain causes
DISK MASS (since near vertebral disc):
Degeneration (DJD, osteoporosis, spondylosis)
Infection (UTI, PID, Pott's disease, osteomyelitis,
prostatitis)/ Injury, fracture or compression fracture
Spondylitis (ankylosing spondyloarthropathies such
as rheumatoid arthritis, Reiters, SLE)
Kidney (stones, infarction, infection)
Multiple myeloma/ Metastasis (from cancers of
breast, kidney, lung, prostate, thyroid)
Abdominal pain (referred to the back)/ Aneurysm
Skin (herpes zoster)/ Strain/ Scoliosis and lordosis
Slipped disk/ Spondylolisthesis
Bronchiectasis: differential
BRONCHIECTASIS:
Bronchial cyst
Repeated gastric acid aspiration
Or due to foreign bodies
Necrotizing pneumonia
Chemical corrosive substances
Hypogammaglobulinemia
Immotile cilia syndrome
Eosinophilia (pulmonary)
Cystic fibrosis
Tuberculosis (primary)
Atopic bronchial asthma
Streptococcal pneumonia
In Young's syndrome
Staphylococcal pneumonia
Sickle cell disease complications
SICKLE:

Strokes/ Swelling of hands and feet/ Spleen
problems
Infections/ Infarctions
Crises (painful, sequestration, aplastic)/
Cholelithiasis/ Chest syndrome/ Chronic hemolysis/
Cardiac problems
Kidney disease
Liver disease/ Lung problems
Erection (priapism)/ Eye problems (retinopathy)
ADP: role in platelet aggregation
ADP = Aggregation from the Dense bodies of
Platelets.
Gynecomastia: common causes
GYNECOMASTIA:
Genetic Gender disorder (Klinefelter)
Young boy (pubertal)*
Neonate*
Estrogen
Cirrhosis/ Cimetidine/ Ca Channel blockers
Old age*
Marijuana
Alcoholism
Spironolactone
Tumors (Testicular & adrenal)
Isoniazid/ Inhibition of testosterone
Antineoplastics (Alkylating Agents)/
Antifungal(ketoconazole)
· * Asterisk indicates physiologic cause.
Lethargy, malaise causes
FATIGUED:
Fat/ Food (poor diet)
Anemia
Tumor
Infection (HIV, endocarditis)
General joint or liver disease
Uremia
Endocrine (Addison's, myxedema)
Diabetes/ Depression/ Drugs
Microbiology Mnemonics
Hepatitis: transmission routes
"Vowels are bowels":
Hepatitis A and E transmitted by fecal-oral route.
RNA viruses: negative stranded
"Always Bring Polymerase Or Fail Replication":
Arena
Bunya
Paramyxo
Orthomyxo
Filo
Rhabdo
· Note: Negative RNA viruses need there own
polymerase.
RNA viruses: negative stranded
"Orthodox Rhabbi's Party Around Fine Bunnies":
Orthomyxo
Rhabdo
Paramyxo
Arena
Filo
Bunya
Endocarditis: indications for surgery
PUS RIVER:
Prosthetic valve endocarditis (most cases)
Uncontrolled infection
Supporative local complications with conduction
abnormalities
Resection of mycotic aneurysm
Ineffective antimicrobial therapy (eg Vs fungi)
Valvular damage (significant)
Embolization (repeated systemic)
Refractory congestive heart failure
Teratogens: placenta-crossing organisms
ToRCHeS:
Toxoplasma
Rubella
CMV
Herpes simplex, Herpes zoster (varicella), Hepatitis
B,C,E
Syphilis
· Alternatively: TORCHES: with Others (parvo,
listeria), add HIV to H's, Enteroviruses.
Streptococcus pyogenes: diseases caused
NIPPLES:
Necrotising fasciitis and myositis
Impetigo
Pharyngitis
Pneumonia
Lymphangitis
Erysipelas and cellulitis

Scarlet fever/ Streptococcal TSS
Endotoxin features
ENDOTOXIN:
Endothelial cells/ Edema
Negative (gram- bacteria)
DIC/ Death
Outer membrane
TNF
O-antigen
X-tremely heat stable
IL-1
Nitric oxide/ Neutrophil chemotaxis
Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis:
classic presentation
"Sore throat, Face bloat, Pi$$ coke":
Sore throat: 1 week ago
Face bloat: facial edema
Pi$$ coke: coke-coloured urine
· Alternatively, short version: "Throat, bloat and
coke".
Staphylococcus aureus: diseases caused
SOFT PAINS:
Skin infections
Osteomyelitis
Food poisoning
Toxic shock syndrome
Pneumonia
Acute endocarditis
Infective arthritis
Necrotizing fasciitis
Sepsis
Picornavirus: features
PICORNAvirus:
Positive sense
ICOsahedral
RNA virus
AIDS pathogens (T-cell suppression) worth
knowing
"The Major Pathogens Concerning Complete T-Cell
Collapse":
Toxoplasma gondii
M. avium intracellulare
Pneumocystis carinii
Candida albicans
Cryptococcus neoformans
Tuberculosis
CMV
Cryptosporidium parvum
Gram+: bacterial cell wall
· Gram+ has:
+hick pepidoglycan layer.
+eichoic acid in wall.
Streptococci: classification by hemolytic ability
Gamma: Garbage (no hemolytic activity).
Alpha: Almost (almost lyse, but incomplete).
Beta: Best (complete lysis).
Syphilis vs. H. ducreyi (chancroid): which ulcer is
painful
"In du-crey-i, you do cry (because it is painful)":
In H. ducreyi, the ulcer is painful, in syphilis the
ulcer is painless.
Influenza infection: clinical manifestations
"Having Flu Symptoms Can Make Moaning
Children A Nightmare":
Headache
Fever
Sore throat
Chills
Myalgias
Malaise
Cough
Anorexia
Nasal congestion
IgA protease-producing bacteria
"Nice Strip of Ham":
Neisseria
Streptococcus pneumonia
Haemophilus influenza
Catalase positive organims
SPACE:
Staphylococcus aureus
Pseudomonas
Aspergillus
Candida
Enterobacter

Neisseria: fermentation of N. gonorrhoeae vs. N.
meningitidis
Gonorrhoeae: Glucose fermenter only.
MeninGitidis: Maltose and Glucose fermenter.
· Maltose fermentation is a useful property to know,
since it's the classic test to distinguish the Neisseria
types.
UTI-causing microorganisms
KEEPS:
Klebsiella
Enterococcus faecalis/ Enterobacter cloacae
E. coli
Pseudomonas aeroginosa/ Proteus mirabilis
Staphylococcus saprophyticcus/ Serratia marcescens
E. coli: diseases caused in presence of virulence
factors
DUNG:
Diarrhea
UTI
Neonatal meningitis
Gram negative sepsis
· Dung, since contract E. coli from dung-
contaminated water.
Hepatitis: oral-fecal transmitted types
"A$$ Eaters":
· Types A and E by oral-fecal route.
E. coli: major subtypes, key point of each
"HIT by E. coli outbreak":
EnteroHemorrhagic:
· HUS from Hamburgers
EnteroInvasive:
· Immune-mediated Inflammation
EnteroToxigenic:
· Traveller's diarrhea
Meningitis: risk factors
"Can Induce Severe Attacks Of Head PAINS":
Cancer
Immunocompromised state
Sinusitis
Age extremes
Otitis
Head trauma
Parameningeal infection
Alcoholism
Infections (systemic, esp. respiratory)
Neurosurgical procedures
Splenectomy
Streptococcus pyogenes: virulence factors
SMASHED:
Streptolysins
M protein
Anti-C5a peptidase
Streptokinase
Hyaluronidase
Exotoxin
DNAses
Capsulated bacteria
"Some Bacteria Have An Effective Paste
Surrounding Membrane Yielding Pseudo Fort,
Bypassing Killing":
Strep pneumonia
Bacteroides
H. influenza
Anthrax (B. anthracis)
E. coli
Pasteurella
Salmonella
Menigitidis (N. Menigitidis)
Yersinia pestis
Pseudomonas
Francisella
Brucella
Klebsiella
DNA viruses: morphology rule of thumb
DNA:
Double-stranded
Nuclear replication
'Anhedral symmetry
· Rule breakers: pox (cytoplasmic), parvo (single-
stranded).
Obligate anaerobes: members worth knowing
ABC:
Actinomyces
Bacteroides
Clostridium

Urease positive organisms
PUNCH:
Proteus (leads to alkaline urine)
Ureaplasma (renal calculi)
Nocardia
Cryptoccocus (the fungus)
Helicobacter pylori
Food poisoning: bugs inducing
"Eating Contaminated Stuff Causes Very Big
Smelly Vomit":
E. coli O157-H7 [undercooked meat, esp.
hamburgers]
Clostridium botulinum [canned foods]
Salmonella [poultry, meat, eggs]
Vibrio parahaemolyticus [seafood]
Bacillus cereus [reheated rice]
Staphylococcus aureus [meats, mayo, custard]
Clostridium perfringens [reheated meat]
Vibrio vulnificus [seafood]
Listeria: motility
Istanbul sounds like Listambul = list + tumble.
Listeria has tumbling motility.
RNA enveloped viruses
FORT ABC, Puerto Rico:
Flavivirus/ Filo
Orthomyxo
Retro
Toga
Arena
Bunya
Corona
Paramyxo
Rhabdo
Tetanus: treatment for infection
SAD RAT:
Sedation
Antitoxin
Debridement
Relaxant
Antibiotic
Tracheostomy
Trichomaniasis: features
· 5 F's:
Flagella
Frothy discharge
Fishy odor (sometimes)
Fornication (STD)
Flagyl (metronidazole) Rx
Endocarditis: causes of culture negative
endocarditis
"With Negative Tests, Investigators Should Focus
Attention Somewhere Meaningful":
Wrong diagnosis
Noninfectious endocarditis
Timing (cultures drawn at end of chronic course)
obligate Intracellular organisms
Slow growing fastidious organisms
Fungal infection
Antibiotic used previously
Subacute right-sided endocarditis
Mural endocarditis
Streptococcus pneumoniae: diseases caused
COMPS:
Conjunctivitis
Otitis media
Meningitis
Pneumonia
Sinusitis
Neurology Mnemonics
Neurofibromatosis: diagnositic criteria (type-1)
CAFE SPOT:
Cafe-au-lait spots
Axillary, inguinal freckling
Fibroma
Eye: lisch nodules
Skeletal (bowing leg, etc)
Pedigree/ Positive family history
Optic Tumor (glioma)
Ramsay-Hunt syndrome: cause and common
feature
"Ramsay Hunt":
· Etiology:
Reactivated
Herpes zoster
· Complication:
Reduced
Hearing
Neurofibromatosis: diagnostic criteria
ROLANDO:
Relative (1st degree)
Osseous fibromas
Lisch nodules in eyes

Axillary freckling
Neurofibromas
Dime size cafe au lait spots
Optic gliomas
Peripheral nervous examination
"Tall People Run-over Small Children":
Tone
Power
Reflexes
Sensation
Co-ordination/ Clonus
Peripheral neuropathy: differential
STAGLAND:
Sarcoid
Thyroid
Amyloid
Guillian-Barre
Lead
Alcohol
Nutritional
Drugs/ Diabetes
Head trauma: rapid neuro exam
· 12 P's:
Psychological (mental) status
Pupils: size, symmetry, reaction
Paired ocular movememts
Papilloedema
Pressure (BP, increased ICP)
Pulse and rate
Paralysis, Paresis
Pyramidal signs
Pin prick sensory response
Pee (incontinent)
Patellar relex (and others)
Ptosis
· Reevaluate patient every 8 hrs.
Perinaud's syndrome: clinical features
PERINAUD'S:
Pseudo 6th nerve palsy/ Penial region
Eyelid Retraction
Internuclear ophthalmoplegia
Nystagmus
Accomodation reflex present
Upward gaze palsy
Defective convergence/ Decerebrate rigidity
Skew deviation
Alzheimer's disease: progressive phases
ABCD:
Amnesic phase (forgetting keys, leaving cooker on)
Behavioural problems (antisocial, wandering)
Cortical phase (incontinence, falls)
Decerebrate phase (return of primitive reflexes)
Vertigo: differential
VOMITS:
Vestibulitis
Ototoxic drugs
Meniere's disease
Injury
Tumor
Spin (benign positional vertigo)
Huntington's: chromosome, involvement
HUNT 4 DATE:
HUNTington's on chromosome 4, with cauDATE
nucleus involvement.
Peripheral neuropathies: differential
DANG THERAPIST:
Diabetes
Amyloid
Nutritional (eg B12 deficiency)
Guillain-Barre
Toxic (eg amiodarone)
Heriditary
Endocrine
Recurring (10% of G-B) Alcohol
Pb (lead)
Idiopathic
Sarcoid
Thyroid
Proximal myopathy: differential
PEACH PODS:
Polymyositis
Endocrine: hyper, hypothyroidism, Cushing's
syndrome, acromegaly
Alcohol
Carcinoma
HIV infection
Periodic hypokalemic paralysis
Osteomalacia
Drugs: steroids, statins
Sarcoidosis
Pupillary dilatation (persistent): causes
3AM:
3rd nerve palsy
Anti-muscarinic eye drops (eg to facilitate

fundoscopy)
Myotonic pupil (Holmes Adie pupil): most
commonly in young women, with absent/delayed
reaction to light and convergence, and of no
pathological significance
Dementia: treatable causes
DEMENTIA:
Drug toxicity
Emotional (depression, anxiety, OCD, etc.)
Metabolic (electrolytes, liver dz, kidney dz, COPD)
Eyes/ Ears (peripheral sensory restrictions)
Nutrition (vitamin, iron deficiencies/ NPH [Normal
Pressure Hydrocephalus]
Tumors/ Trauma (including chronic subdural
hematoma)
Infection (meningitis, encephalitis, pneumonia,
syphilis)
Arteriosclerosis and other vascular disease
Cerebellar signs
PINARD'S:
Past pointing
Intention tremor
Nystagmus
Ataxia
Rebound
Dysdiadokinesia
Slurred speech
[Note: If you haven't done Obs yet, a Pinard's is for
listening to a baby's heart on mother's abdomen]
Status epilepticus: treatment
"Thank Goodness All Cerebral Bursts Dissipate":
Thiamine
Glucose
Ativan
Cerebyx
Barbiturate
Diprivan
Balint's syndrome
SOOT:
Simultagnosia
Optic ataxia
Ocular apraxia
Tunnel vision
Chorea: common causes
St. VITUS'S DANCE:
Sydenhams
Vascular
Increased RBC's (polycythemia)
Toxins: CO, Mg, Hg
Uremia
SLE
Senile chorea
Drugs
APLA syndrome
Neurodegenerative conditions: HD,
neuroacanthocytosis, DRPLA
Conception related: pregnancy, OCP's
Endocrine: hyperthyroidism, hypo-, hyperglycemia
Multiple sclerosis: signs and symptoms
INSULAR:
Intention tremor
Nystagmus
Slurred speech
Uthoff's phenomenon
Lhermitte's sign
Ataxia
Rebound
Dementia: some common causes
DEMENTIA:
Diabetes
Ethanol
Medication
Environmental (eg CO poisoning)
Nutritional
Trauma
Infection
Alzheimer's
Conscious change: causes
AEIOU TIPS:
Alcohol
Encephalopathy
Infection
Opioid
Uremia
Trauma
Insulin
Psychosis
Syncope
Pin-point pupil causes
Pin-Point Pupils are due to oPioids and Pontine
Pathology
Whipple's disease: features [for neurologists]
A WHIPPLES DOOM:
Arthralgias

Whipplei (organism)
Hypothalamic involvement
Intestinal involvement/ Intestinal biopsy required
PAS positive macrophages
PCR positivity
Lymphadenopathy
Extrapyramidal involvement
Septran treat with
Dementia
Ocular abnormalities (vertical gaze palsy)
Oculomasticatory myorhythmia
Myoclonus
Stroke risk factors
HEADS:
Hypertension/ Hyperlipidemia
Elderly
Atrial fib
Diabetes mellitus/ Drugs (cocaine)
Smoking/ Sex (male)
Babinski and LMN signs: conditions exhibiting
them
"D MASTS":
Diabetes
Motor neuron disease
Ataxia (friedrichs)
Subacute combined degeneration of cord
Tabo paresis
Syringobulbia
Visual loss: persistent bilateral sudden onset
visual loss differential
FLOP:
Functional
Leber's hereditary neuropathy
Occipital infarctions
Pituitary apoplexy
Battle sign
BattlE:
Behind Ear
Neuropathy: diagnosis confirmation
NEuropathy:
Nerve conduction velocity
Electromyography
Ocular bobbing vs. dipping
"Breakfast is fast, Dinner is slow, both go down":
Bobbing is fast.
Dipping is slow.
In both, the initial movement is down.
Dementia: reversible dementia causes
DEMENTIA:
Drugs/ Depression
Elderly
Multi-infarct/ Medication
Environmental
Nutritional
Toxins
Ischemia
Alcohol
Hydrocephalus: Normal pressure hydrocephalus
DDx
3 W's:
Wet: urinary incontinence
Wobbly: gait abnormality
Wacky: dementia, memory problems
Stroke: basic work up
The 3 P's:
Pump
Pipes
Plasma
Multiple sclerosis (MS): epidemiology
MS is a feminine title (Ms.) and is female
predominant.
Encephalitis: differential
HE'S LATIN AMERICAN:
Herpesviridae
Enteroviridae (esp. Polio)
Slow viruses (esp. JC, prions)
Syphilis
Legionella/ Lyme disease/ Lymphocytic
meningoencephalitis
Aspergillus
Toxoplasmosis
Intracranial pressure
Neisseria meningitidis
Arboviridae
Measles/ Mumps/ Mycobacterium tuberculosis/
Mucor
E. coli
Rabies/ Rubella
Idiopathic
Cryptococcus/ Candida
Abscess
Neoplasm/ Neurocysticercosis

· Neurocysticercosis should be assumed with recent
Latin American immigrant patient unless proven
otherwise.
Stroke: young patient's likely causes
7 C's:
Cocaine
Consanguinity [familial such as neurofibromatosis
and von Hippel-Lindau]
Cancer
Cardiogenic embol
hyperCoagulation
CNS infection [eg: HIV conditions]
Congenital arterial lesion
Benidict's syndrome: site affected
Benidict's test for sugar gives red precipitate.
Similarly, Benidict's syndrome affects red nucleus.
Decreased level of consciousness: metabolic
causes
METABOLIC:
Major end organs (liver, kidney)
Endocrine/ Electrolytes
Toxins
Acid
Base disorders
Oxygenation
Lung (PE, pneumonia)
Infection/ Inflammatory/ Iatrogenic
Calcium
Congenital myopathy: features
DREAMS:
Dominantly inherited, mostly
Reflexes decreased
Enzymes normal
Apathetic floppy baby
Milestones delayed
Skeletal abnormalities
Obstetrics and Gynecology - Mnemonics
Female pelvis: shapes
GAP:
· In order from most to least common:
Gynecoid
Android /Anthropoid
Platypelloid
Oral contraceptives: side effects
CONTRACEPTIVES:
Cholestatic jaundice
Oedema (corneal)
Nasal congestion
Thyroid dysfunction
Raised BP
Acne/ Alopecia/ Anaemia
Cerebrovascular disease
Elevated blood sugar
Porphyria/ Pigmentation/ Pancreatitis
Thromboembolism
Intracranial hypertension
Vomiting (progesterone only)
Erythema nodosum/ Extrapyramidal effects
Sensitivity to light
Post-partum haemorrhage (PPH): causes
4 'T's:
Tissue (retained placenta)
Tone (uterine atony)
Trauma (traumatic delivery, episiotomy)
Thrombin (coagulation disorders, DIC)
Forceps: indications for use
FORCEPS:
Fully dilated cervix
0 ["Zero"] CPD
Ruptured membranes
Cephalic or at least deliverable presentation/
Contracting uterus
Episiotomy done/ Epidural done
P!ss and S#!t (bladder and bowel empty)
Post-partum examination simplified checklist
BUBBLES:
Breast
Uterus
Bowel
Bladder
Lochia
Episotomy
Surgical site (for Cesarean section)
Miscarriage: recurrent miscarriage causes
RIBCAGE:
Radiation
Immune reaction
Bugs (infection)
Cervical incompetence
Anatomical anomaly (uterine septum etc.)
Genetic (aneuploidy, balanced translocation etc.)
Endocrine

Alpha-fetoprotein: causes for increased maternal
serum AFP during pregnancy
"Increased Maternal Serum Alpha Feto Protein":
Intestinal obstruction
Multiple gestation/ Miscalculation of gestational
age/ Myeloschisis
Spina bifida cystica
Anencephaly/ Abdominal wall defect
Fetal death
Placental abruption
Gestation period, oocytes, vaginal pH, menstrual
cycle: normal numbers
4 is the normal pH of the vagina.
40 weeks is the normal gestation period.
400 oocytes released between menarche and
menopause.
400,000 oocytes present at puberty.
28 days in a normal menstrual cycle.
280 days (from last normal menstrual period) in a
normal gestation period.
Oral contraceptive complications: warning signs
ACHES:
Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Headache (severe)
Eye (blurred vision)
Sharp leg pain
CVS and amniocentesis: when performed
"Chorionic" has 9 letters and Chorionic villus
sampling performed at 9 weeks gestation.
"AlphaFetoProtein" has 16 letters and it's measured
at 16 weeks gestation.
Prenatal care questions
ABCDE:
Amniotic fluid leakage?
Bleeding vaginally?
Contractions?
Dysuria?
Edema?
Fetal movement?
Asherman syndrome features
ASHERMAN:
Acquired Anomaly
Secondary to Surgery
Hysterosalpingography confirms diagnosis
Endometrial damage/ Eugonadotropic
Repeated uterine trauma
Missed Menses
Adhesions
Normal estrogen and progesterone
Abdominal pain: causes during pregnancy
LARA CROFT:
Labour
Abruption of placenta
Rupture (eg. ectopic/ uterus)
Abortion
Cholestasis
Rectus sheath haematoma
Ovarian tumour
Fibroids
Torsion of uterus
Preeclampsia: classic triad
PREeclampsia:
Proteinuria
Rising blood pressure
Edema
Parity abbreviations (ie: G 3, P 2012)
"To Peace And Love":
T: of Term pregnancies
P: of Premature births
A: of Abortions (spontaneous or elective)
L: of Live births
· Describes the outcomes of the total number of
pregnancies (Gravida).
Forceps: indications for delivery
FORCEPS:
Foetus alive
Os dilated
Ruptured membrane
Cervix taken up
Engagement of head
Presentation suitable
Sagittal suture in AP diameter of inlet
Fetus: cardinal movements of fetus
"Don't Forget I Enjoy Really Expensive
Equipment":
Descent
Flexion
Interal rotation
Extension
Restitution
External rotation
Expulsion

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): complications
I FACE PID:
Infertility
Fitz-Hugh-Curitis syndrome
Abscesses
Chronic pelvic pain
Ectopic pregnancy
Peritonitis
Intestinal obstruction
Disseminated: sepsis, endocarditis, arthritis,
meninigitis
APGAR score components
SHIRT:
Skin color: blue or pink
Heart rate: below 100 or over 100
Irritability (response to stimulation): none, grimace
or cry
Respirations: irregular or good
Tone (muscle): some flexion or active
Vaginal pH
Vagina has 4 labia and normal pH of vagina is about
4.
Early cord clamping: indications
RAPID CS:
Rh incompatibility
Asphyxia
Premature delivery
Infections
Diabetic mother
CS (caesarian section) previously, so the funda is
RAPID CS
IUGR: causes
IUGR:
Inherited: chromosomal and genetic disorders
Uterus: placental insufficency
General: maternal malnutrition, smoking
Rubella and other congenital infecton
Postpartum collapse: causes
HEPARINS:
Hemorrhage
Eclampsia
Pulmonary embolism
Amniotic fluid embolism
Regional anaethetic complications
Infarction (MI)
Neurogenic shock
Septic shock
Delivery: instrumental delivery prerequisites
AABBCCDDEE:
Analgesia
Antisepsis
Bowel empty
Bladder empty
Cephalic presentation
Consent
Dilated cervix
Disproportion (no CPD)
Engaged
Episiotomy
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): causes,
effects
"PID CAN be EPIC":
· Causes:
Chlamydia trachomatis
Actinomycetes
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
· Effects:
Ectopic
Pregnancy
Infertility
Chronic pain
Shoulder dystocia: management
HELPER:
Call for Help
Episiotomy
Legs up [McRoberts position]
Pressure subrapubically [not on fundus]
Enter vagina for shoulder rotation
Reach for posterior shoulder and deliver posterior
shoulder/ Return head into vagina [Zavanelli
maneuver] for C-section/ Rupture clavicle or pubic
symphisis
Secondary amenorrhea: causes
SOAP:
Stress
OCP
Anorexia
Pregnancy
RLQ pain: brief female differential
AEIOU:
Appendicitis/ Abscess

Ectopic pregnancy/ Endometriosis
Inflammatory disease (pelvic)/ IBD
Ovarian cyst (rupture, torsion)
Uteric colic/ Urinary stones
Multiple pregnancy complications
HI, PAPA:
Hydramnios (Poly)
IUGR
Preterm labour
Antepartum haemorrhage
Pre-eclampsia
Abortion
Ovarian cancer: risk factors
"Blue FILM":
Breast cancer
Family history
Infertility
Low parity
Mumps
Omental caking: likeliest cause
Omental CAking = Ovarian CA
· "Omental caking" is term for ascities, plus a fixed
upper abdominal and pelvic mass. Almost always
signifies ovarian cancer.
Spontaneous abortion: definition
"Spontaneous abortion" has less than 20 letters [it's
exactly 19 letters].
Spontaneous abortion is defined as delivery or loss
of products of conception at less than 20 weeks
gestation.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB): 3 major
causes
DUB:
Don't ovulate (anovulation: 90% of cases)
Unusual corpus leuteum activity (prolonged or
insufficient)
Birth control pills (since increases progesterone-
estrogen ratio)
Post-partum haemmorrage (PPH): risk factors
PARTUM:
Polyhydroamnios/ Prolonged labour/ Previous
cesarian
APH/ ANTH
Recent bleeding history
Twins
Uterine fibroids
Multiparity
Labour: preterm labor causes
DISEASE:
Dehydration
Infection
Sex
Exercise (strenuous)
Activities
Stress
Environmental factor (job, etc)
Alpha-fetoprotein: some major causes for
increased maternal serum AFP during pregnancy
TOLD:
Testicular tumours
Obituary (fetal death)
Liver: hepatomas
Defects (neural tube defects)
IUD: side effects
PAINS:
Period that is late
Abdominal cramps
Increase in body temperature
Noticeable vaginal discharge
Spotting
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): first line
treatment
Treat PCOS with OCP's (oral contraceptive pills).
Sexual response cycle
EXPLORE:
EXcitement
PLateau
Orgasmic
REsolution
B-agonist tocolytic (C/I or warning)
ABCDE:
Angina (Heart disease)
BP high
Chorioamnionitis
Diabetes
Excessive bleeding
Ophthalmology Mnemonics

Corneal stromal dystrophies
"Marilyn Monroe Gets High in LA":
Macular: Mucopolysaccharide
Granular: Hyaline
Lattice: Amyloid
Optic atrophy causes
ICING:
Ischaemia
Compressed nerve
Intracranial pressure [raised]
Neuritis history
Glaucoma
Choroidal neovascular membrane
HAMMAR:
Histoplasmosis
ARMD
Multifocal Choroiditis
Myopia
Angiod
Rupture of the choroid
Nasopharyngeal cancer: classic symptoms
NOSE:
Neck mass
Obstructed nasal passage
Serous otitis media externa
Epistaxis and discharge
Diplopia (uniocular): causes
ABCD:
Astigmatism
Behavioral: psychogenic
Cataract
Dislocated lens
Anopsia: quarantic anopsia: location of lesion
Upper: Top: Temporal lesions.
Lower: Pits: Parietal lesions.
Cataracts: causes
CATARAct:
Congenital
Aging
Toxicity (steroids, etc)
Accidents
Radiation
Abnormal metabolism (diabetes mellitus, Wilson's)
Red eye causes
GO SUCK:
Glaucoma
Orbital disease
Scleritis
Uveitis
Conjunctivitis
Keratitis
Cataracts: causes
ABCDE:
Aging
Bang: trauma, other injuries (eg infrared)
Congenital
Diabetes and other metabolic disturbances (eg
steroids)
Eye diseases: glaucoma, uveitis
Cataracts: differential
CATARAct:
Congenital
Aging
Toxicity (steroids, etc)
Accidents
Radiation
Abnormal metabolism (DM, Wilsons, etc)
Orthopedics Mnemonics
Carpal (Wrist) Bones
"Scared Lovers Try Positions That They Can't
Handle." Starting from the thumb, the eight
carpal bones are Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum,
Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, and
Hamate. To tell the three T's apart... triquetrum
has "tri/try" in it, and trapezium and trapezoid are
in alphabetical order.
CARPenters use their hands. The CARPAL
bones are of the hand, and not the foot.
Cranial Bones
Annoying, aren't they? The cranial bones are the
PEST OF 6...
P
E
S
T
O
F

Parietal
Ethmoid
Sphenoid
Temporal
Occipital
Frontal
the six? the number of bones!
Try this one as well: Old People From Texas
Eat Spiders.
Cranial Sutures
Sutures have CLASS...
C
L
A
S
S
Coronal
Lambdoid
and
Squamous
Sagittal
Facial Bones
"Con Man Max and Pal Ziggy Lack Nasty
Voices". Not the most intuitive acrostic in the
world, but it works...
Con
Man
Max
Pal
Ziggy
Lack
Nasty
Voices
Conchae
Mandible
Maxilla
Palatine
Zygomatic
Lacrimal
Nasal
Vomer
Fontanels (Infant Skull)
A baby's first words might be "PAPA!"...
P
A
P
A
Posterior
Anterior
Posterio-Lateral
Anterio-Lateral
Fractures
Star Wars fans (hi, Inderpal!) use "Go C3PO" to
recall the seven types of bone fractures...
G
O
C
C
C
P
O
Greenstick
Open
Complete
Closed
Comminuted
Partial
Other
Lower Leg Bones
Can't tell your tib from your fib? The TIBia is the
Thick, Inner Bone. The FibuLa is Finer, Fluted,
and Lateral.
Orbital Bones
This one's a bit silly. It relies on the belief that a
species called the FLEZMS are in ORBITaround
the earth.
F
L
E
Z
M
S
Frontal
Lacrimal
Ethmoid
Zygomatic
Maxilla
Sphenoid
Branches of the facial nerve
Two Zulu's Bruised My Cervix

This one is used to remember the branches of the
facial nerve...a (Sent to me by axe@iinet.net.au)
T emporal nerve
Z ygomatic nerve
B uccal nerve
M arginal mandibular nerve
C ervical nerve
To Zanzibar By Motorcar
Fracture: how to describe
PLASTER OF PARIS:
Plane
Location
Articular cartilage involvement
Simple or comminuted
Type (eg Colles')
Extent
Reason
Open or closed
Foreign bodies
disPlacement
Angulation
Rotation
Impaction
Shortening
Salter Harris fracture classification
Salter Harris, modified to SALTR:
type 1: Slipped epiphysis
type 2: Above the eiphyseal plate
type 3: Lower than the eiphyseal plate
type 4: Through both above and below eiphyseal
plate
type 5: Raised epiphysis, as in a compression injury
· Salter Harris classification utilises visualising long
bone distal portion with diaphysis superiorly placed
and epiphysis inferiorly placed.
Pagets disease of bone: signs and symptoms
PANICS:
Pain
Arthralgia
Nerve compression / Neural deafness
Increased bone density
Cardiac failure
Skull / Sclerotic vertebrae
Osteosarcoma: risk factors
PRIMARY:
Paget's
Radiation
Infaction of bone
Male
Alcohol, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle [adults only]
Retinoblastoma, Li-Fraumeni syndrome
Young [10-20 yrs]
· Osteosarcoma is the most common primary
malignant tumor of bone.
Fractures: principles of management
FRIAR:
First aid
Reduction
Immobilisation
Active Rehabilitation
Bryant's traction: position
BrYant's traction:
Bent Y.
· Patient's body is the stem of the Y laying on the
bed, and legs are the ends of the Y up in the air.
Monoarthritis differential
GHOST:
Gout
Haemarthrosis
Osteoarthritis
Sepsis
Trauma
Sacroiliitis: causes
PUB CAR:
Psoriasis
Ulcerative colitis
Behcet's disease
Crohn's disease
Reiter's disease
Carpal tunnel syndrome: treatment
WRIST:
Wear splints at night
Rest
Inject steroid
Surgical decompression

Take diuretics
Forearm fractures: bone in Monteggia vs.
Galeazzi
Monteggia is fracture of ulna.
Therefore, Galeazzi is fracture of radius.
Bone fracture types [for Star Wars fans]
GO C3PO:
Greenstick
Open
Complete/ Closed/ Comminuted
Partial
Others
· Note: C3P0 is droid in the Star-Wars movies.
Fracture: describing (short version)
DOCTOR:
Displaced vs. non-displaced
Open vs. closed
Complete vs. incomplete
Transverse fracture vs. linear fracture
Open Reduction vs. closed reduction
Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV, clubfoot):
major physical findings
CAVE:
Cavus
Adduction
Varus
Equinus
Fracture: description
BLT LARD:
Bone
Location on bone
Type of fracture
Lengthening
Angulation
Rotation
Displacement
Nonunion of bones: differential
You need a SPLINT:
Soft tissue interposition
Position of reduction (too much traction,
immobilization, or movement)
Location (eg. lower third of tibia slow to heal)
Infection
Nutritional (damaged vessels or diseased bone)
Tumor (pathological fracture)
Joints classification, by amount of allowed
movement at joint
SAD:
Synarthroses
Amphiarthroses
Diarthroses
Forearm: fractures
"Break the forearm of the MUGR (mugger)":
Monteggia=Ulna
Galeazzi=Radius
Pathology Mnemonics
Oral cancer risks
PATH LAB:
Plummer-vinson syndrome
Alcohol
Tobacco
Human papilloma virus
Leukoplakia
Asbestos
Bad oral hygiene
Wernickes encephalopathy: components
WACO:
· Wernickes is:
Ataxia
Confusion (or clouded consciousness)
Ocular problems
· Note: Waco is the town in Texas, USA made
famous for a standoff with a David Koresh and the
Branch Davidians.
TTP: clinical features
Thrombosis and thrombocytopenia PARTNER
together:
Platelet count low
Anemia (microangiopathic hemolytic)
Renal failure
Temperature rise
Neurological deficits
ER admission (as it is an emergency)

Edwards' syndrome: characteristics
EDWARDS:
Eighteen (trisomy)
Digit overlapping flexion
Wide head
Absent intellect (mentally retarded)
Rocker-bottom feet
Diseased heart
Small lower jaw
Achalasia: 1 possible cause, 1 treatment
aCHAlasia:
1 possible cause: CHAgas' disease
1 treatment: Ca++ CHAnnel blockers
COPD: blue bloater vs. pink puffer diseases
emPhysema has letter P (and not B) so Pink Puffer.
chronic Bronchitis has letter B (and not P) so Blue
Bloater.
Duchenne vs. Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) : Doesn't
Make Dystrophin.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD): Badly Made
Dystrophin (a truncated protein).
Ovarian cancers: important types, by WHO
classification
· Surface:
"My Sister Began Experiencing Cancer":
Mucinous
Serous
Brenner
Endometrioid
Clear
· Germ cell:
"Doctor Examined The Ovaries":
Dysgerminoma
Endometrial sinus
Teratoma
Ovarian choriocarcinoma
· Sex cord:
"She Felt Grim":
Sertoli-Leydig
Fibroma
Granulosa-theca
· Metastatic
"Killed":
Krukenberg
Alzheimer's disease: features
RONALD (Ronald Reagan, a famous victim):
Reduction of Ach
Old age
Neurofibrillary tangles
Atrophy of cerebral cortex (diffuse)
Language impairment
Dementia (MC in elderly)/ Down's syndrome
Dandy-Walker syndrome: components
"Dandy Walker Syndrome":
Dilated 4th ventricle
Water on the brain
Small vermis
Pericarditis: findings
PERICarditis:
Pulsus paradoxus
ECG changes
Rub
Increased JVP
Chest pain [worse on inspiration, better when lean
forward]
Histiocytosis X: hallmark finding
"Birbeck's rackets is X":
Tennis rackets under electron microscope is
Histiocystosis X.
Consider 2 tennis rackets in an X formation.
MI: post-MI complications
ACT RAPID:
Arrhythmias (SVT, VT, VF)
Congestive cardiac failure
Tamponade/ Thromboembolic disorders
Rupture (ventricle, septum, papillary muscle)
Aneurysm (ventricle)
Pericarditis
Infaction (a second one)
Death/ Dressler's syndrome
Hemolytic anemia types
SHEEP T!T:
Sickle cell
Heriditary splenocytosis
Enzyme deficiencies: [G6P, pyruvate kinase]
Erythroblastosis fetalis

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Trauma to RBCs
Immunohemolytics: [warm Ab, cold Ag]
Thalassemias: [alpha, beta]
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: signs
FAT RN:
Fever
Anemia
Thrombocytopenia
Renal problems
Neurologic dysfunction
Pancreatitis: causes
BAD S#!T:
Biliary: gallstones, 1% of ERCP patients
Alcoholism/ Azotemia
Drugs
Scorpion bite/ Sea anenome/ SLE
Hyperlipidemia/ Hypercalcemia
Idiopathic/ Infectious (mumps, coxsackie,
salmonella, ascariasis)
Tumor/ Trauma
· The drugs are: penacillamine, furosemide,
thiazides, ethacrynic acid, steroids, sulfas, ace
inhibitors, N-SAIDs, erythromycin, estrogen.
Portal hypertension: features
ABCDE:
Ascites
Bleeding (haematemesis, piles)
Caput medusae
Diminished liver
Enlarged spleen
Gout: major features
GOUT:
Great toe
One joint (75% monoarticular)
Uric acid increased (hence urolithiasis)
Tophi
APKD: signs, complications, accelerators
11 B's:
· Signs:
Bloody urine
Bilateral pain [vs. stones, which are usually
unilateral pain]
Blood pressure up
Bigger kidneys
Bumps palpable
· Complications:
Berry aneurysm
Biliary cysts
Bicuspid valve [prolapse and other problems]
· Accelerators:
Boys
Blacks
Blood pressure high
Cardiovascular risk factors
FLASH BODIES:
Family history
Lipids
Age
Sex
Homocystinaemia
Blood pressure
Obesity
Diabetes mellitus
Inflammation (raised CRP)/ Increased thrombosis
Exercise
Smoking
Pyrogenic meningitis: likeliest bug in age group
"Explaining Hot Neck Stiffness":
· In order from birth to death:
E. coli [infants]
Haemophilus influenzae [older infants, kids]
Neisseria meningitis [young adults]
Streptococcus pneumoniae [old folks]
Multiple endocrine neoplasia III: components
MEN III is a disease of 3 M's:
Medullary thyroid carcinoma
Medulla of adrenal (pheochromocytoma)
Mucosal neuroma
MI: sequence of elevated enzymes after MI
"Time to CALL 911":
· From first to appear to last:
Troponin
CK-MB
AST
LDH1
MEN I (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia)
syndrome: components
"Please Please Pay Attention To peptic ulceration,
you worms":
· Adenomas of:
Pituatary

Pancreatic islets
Parathyroid
Adrenal cortex
Thyroid, associated with peptic ulceration
· Syndrome is called "Wermer's syndrome".
Parkinson's disease: symptoms
PQRST:
Paucity of expression
parQinson
Rigidity (cogwheel)
Stooped posture
Tremor at rest
· If can't remember that Parkinson's tremor is the one
that is "resting tremor", look at the last 3 letters:
RST.
Gout: factors that can precipitate an attack of
acute gouty arthritis
DARK:
Diuretics
Alcohol
Renal disease
Kicked (trauma)
· And, the attack occurs most often at night [thus
"dark"].
Thyroid carcinoma: frequency
"Please Feel My A$$":
In order of most frequent to least frequent, and in
order from least aggressive to most aggressive:
Papillary carcinoma
Follicular carcinoma
Medullary thyroid carcinoma
Anaplastic carcinoma
Bronchial obstruction: consequences
APPLE BABE:
Atelectasis
Pleural adhesions
Pleuritis
Lipid pneumonia
Effusion->organisation->fibrosis
Bronchiectasis
Abscess
Broncho and lobar pneumonia
Emphysema
Pick's disease: location, action, epidemiology
· See figure.
Pick axes are Picking away at the old woman's
cerebral cortex, causing cortical atrophy.
2 pick axes on her brain: frontal lobe and anterior 1/3
of temporal.
An old woman, since epidemiology is elderly &
more common in women.
Wernicke-Korsakoff's psychosis: findings
COAT RACK:
· Wernicke's encephalopathy (acute phase):
Confusion
Ophthalmoplegia
Ataxia
Thiamine tx.
· Korsakoff's psychosis (chronic phase):
Retrograde amnesia
Anterograde amnesia
Confabulation
Korsakoff's psychosis
Endometrial carcinoma: risk factors
ENDOMET:
Elderly
Nulliparity
Diabetes
Obesity
Menstrual irregularity
Estrogen therapy
hyperTension
Respiratory distress syndrome in infants: major
risk factors
PCD (Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, a cause of
Respiratory distress syndrome):
Prematurity
Cesarean section
Diabetic mother
Blood disorders: commoner sex
HE (male) gets:
HEmophilia (X-linked)
HEinz bodies (G6PD deficiency, causing HEmolytic
anemia: X-linked)
HEmochromatosis (male predominance)
HEart attacks (male predominance)
HEnoch-Schonlein purpura (male predominance)
SHE (female) gets:
SHEehan's syndrome
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.

Osteomyelitis: complications
FIBRES:
Fractures
Intraosseous (broidie) abscesses
Bacteremi/ Brodie abscess
Reactive amyloidosis
Endocarditis
Sinus tracts/ Squamous cell CA
Nasopharyngeal malignant cancers
NASOPharyngeal:
Nasophayngeal
Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Olfactory neuroblastoma
Plasmacytoma
Emphysema: types, most important feature of
each
"Cigarettes Is Primary Problem":
· Types:
Centrilobular
Irregular
Pancinar
Paraseptal
· Most important feature for each type (in order as
above):
Cigarrettes
Inflammation healed to scar
Protease inhibitor deficiency (a1-antitrypsin)
Pneumothorax
· "Cigarettes is primary problem" used since
cigarettes is most common cause of emphysema.
· Keeping P's straight: Pan is antitrypsin.
Baldness risk factors
"Daddy Doesn't Deny Getting Hair Implants":
Diet
Disease
Drugs
Genes
Hormones
Injury to the scalp
Thrombus: possible fates
DOPE:
Dissolution
Organization & repair
Propagation
Embolization
Buerger's disease features
"burger SCRAPS":
Segmenting thrombosing vasculitis
Claudication (intermittent)
Raynaud's phenomenon
Associated with smoking
Pain, even at rest
Superficial nodular phlebitis
· Alternatively, if hungry for more detail [sic],
"CRISP PIG burgers":
Chronic ulceration
Raynaud's phenomenon
Intermittent claudication
Segmenting, thrombosing vasculitis
Pain, even at rest
Phlebitis (superficial nodular)
Idiopathic
Gangrene
TB: features
TB is characterised by 4 C's:
Caseation
Calcification
Cavitation
Cicatrization
Kawasaki Disease Criteria
"Be careful when riding a Kawasaki motorcycle,
you might get CREAMed.
Conjunctivitis (non-exudative)
Rash (polymorphous non-vesicular)
Edema (or erythema of hands or feet)
Adenopathy (cervical, often unilateral)
Mucosal involvement (erythema or fissures or
crusting)
To have Kawasaki disease you must have fever for
greater than 5 days plus 4 of the above.
Ulcerative colitis: features
ULCERATIONS:
Ulcers
Large intestine
Carcinoma [risk]
Extraintestinal manifestations
Remnants of old ulcers [pseudopolyps]
Abscesses in crypts
Toxic megacolon [risk]
Inflamed, red, granular mucosa
Originates at rectum
Neutrophil invasion
Stools bloody
Thyroid storm characteristics
"Storm HITS girls cAMP":

Thyroid storm due to:
Hyperthyroidism
Infection or Illness at childbirth
Trauma
Surgery
· girls: Thyroid storm more common in females.
· cAMP: Tx involves high dose of beta blockers
(beta receptors work via cAMP)
· Alternatively: "S#IT storm": Surgery,
Hyperthyroidism, Infection/ Illness, Trauma.
Thyrotoxicosis syndrome: signs and symptoms
"A Penny For Every Symptom That
Hyperthyroidism Will Make Grossly Evident":
Anxiety
Palpitations/ Pulse rapid
Fatigability
Emotional lability
Sweating
Tremor
Heat intolerance
Weight loss with good appetite
Muscular weakness/ Menstrual changes
Goitre
Eye changes
Endometrial carcinoma: risk factors
HONDA:
Hypertension
Obesity
Nulliparity
Diabetes
Age (increased)
Tabes Dorsalis morphology
DORSALIS:
Dorsal column degeneration
Orthopedic pain (Charcot joints)
Reflexes decreased (deep tendon)
Shooting pain
Argyll-Robertson pupils
Locomotor ataxia
Impaired proprioception
Syphilis
Pneumothorax: presentation
P-THORAX:
Pleuretic pain
Trachea deviation
Hyperresonance
Onset sudden
Reduced breath sounds (& dypsnea)
Absent fremitus
X-ray shows collapse
Renal failure (chronic): consequences
ABCDEFG:
Anemia
-due to less EPO
Bone alterations
-osteomalacia
-osteoporosis
-von Recklinghausen
Cardiopulmonary
-atherosclerosis
-CHF
-hypertension
-pericarditis
D vitamin loss
Electrolyte imbalance
-sodium loss/gain
-metabolic acidosis
-hyperkalemia
Feverous infections
-due to leukocyte abnormalities and dialysis hazards
GI disturbances
-haemorrhagic gastritis
-peptic ulcer disease
-intractable hiccups
Carcinomas having tendency to metastasize to
bone
"Kinds Of Tumors Leaping Primarily To Bone":
Kidneys
Ovaries
Testes
Lungs
Prostate
Thyroid
Breasts
· Alternatively: "Promptly" instead of "Primarily".
· Alternatively: "BLT2 with a Kosher Pickle".
Haemochromatosis definition, classic triad
"Iron man triathalon":
Iron man: deposition of iron in many body tissues.
· Triathalon has 3 components, which match triad:
Swimming: Skin pigmentation
Biking: Bronze diabetes
Marathon: Micronodular pigment cirrhosis
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: symptom triad
"PET WASP":
Pyrogenic infections
Eczema
Thrombocytopenia
· WASP is the name of the causitive agent: Wiskott-

Aldrich Syndrome Protein.
· Alternatively: Wiskott=Hot, Aldrich=Itch,
Syndrom=Throm.
Pancoast tumor: relationship with Horner's
syndrome
"Horner has a MAP of the Coast":
A panCoast tumor is a cancer of the lung apex that
compresses the cervical sympathetic plexus, causing
Horner's syndrome, which is MAP:
Miosis
Anhidrosis
Ptosis
Gallstones/cholecystitis: risk factors
5 F's:
Fat
Female
Family history
Fertile
Forty
Lou Gehrig's is both upper and lower motor
neuron signs
LoU = Lower & Upper.
Nephrotic syndrome: hallmark findings
"Protein LEAC":
Proteinuria
Lipid up
Edema
Albumin down
Cholesterol up
· In nephrotic, the proteins leak out.
Virchow's triad (venous thrombosis)
"VIRchow":
Vascular trauma
Increased coagulability
Reduced blood flow (stasis)
PKU findings
PKU:
Pale hair, skin
Krazy (neurological abnormalities)
Unpleasant smell
Osteosarcoma: features
PEARL HARBOR:
Paget's disease (10-20%)*
Early age (10-20 yrs)
Around knee
Raised periosteum by expanding tumor: "sunburst
pattern"
Lace-like architecture
Hyaline arteoriosclerosis
Alkaline phosphatase increased
Retinoblastoma*
Boys, predominantly
Osteomyelitis DDx
Radiation*
· Sunburst pattern was Japanese Navy emblem
during WWII.
*: Predisposing factors.
Sarcoidosis summarized
SARCOIDOISIS:
Schaumann calcifications
Asteroid bodies/ [ACE] increase/ Anergy
Respiratory complications/ Renal calculi/ Restrictive
lung disease/ Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Calcium increase in serum and urine/ CD4 helper
cells
Ocular lesions
Immune mediated noncaseating granulomas/ [Ig]
increase
Diabetes insipidus/ [D vit.] increase/ Dyspnea
Osteopathy
Skin (Subcutaneous nodules, erythema nodosum)
Interstitial lung fibrosis/ IL-1
Seventh CN palsy
Pediatrics Mnemonics
Williams syndrome: features
WILLIAMS:
Weight (low at birth, slow to gain)
Iris (stellate iris)
Long philtrum
Large mouth
Increased Ca++
Aortic stenosis (and other stenoses)
Mental retardation
Swelling around eyes (periorbital puffiness)
Sturge-Weber syndrome: hallmark features
Sturge-Weber:
1. Seizures

2. PortWine stain
Croup: symptoms
3 S's:
Stridor
Subglottic swelling
Seal-bark cough
Neonatal resuscitation: successive steps
"Do What Pediatricians Say To, Or Be Inviting
Costly Malpractice":
Drying
Warming
Positioning
Suctioning
Tactile stimulation
Oxygen
Bagging
Intubate endotracheally
Chest compressions
Medications
Measles: complications
"MEASLES COMP" (complications):
Myocarditis
Encephalitis
Appendicitis
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
Laryngitis
Early death
Sh!ts (diarrhoea)
Corneal ulcer
Otis media
Mesenteric lymphadenitis
Pneumonia and related (bronchiolitis-bronchitis-
croup)
Short stature: differential
ABCDEFG:
Alone (neglected infant)
Bone dysplasias (rickets, scoliosis,
mucopolysaccharidoses)
Chromosomal (Turner's, Down's)
Delayed growth
Endocrine (low growth hormone, Cushing's,
hypothyroid)
Familial
GI malabsorption (celiac, Crohn's)
Cystic fibrosis: presenting signs
CF PANCREAS:
Chronic cough and wheezing
Failure to thrive
Pancreatic insufficiency (symptoms of
malabsorption like steatorrhea)
Alkalosis and hypotonic dehydration
Neonatal intestinal obstruction (meconium ileus)/
Nasal polyps
Clubbing of fingers/ Chest radiograph with
characteristic changes
Rectal prolapse
Electrolyte elevation in sweat, salty skin
Absence or congenital atresia of vas deferens
Sputum with Staph or Pseudomonas (mucoid)
Pyloric stenosis (congential): presentation
Pyloric stenosis is 3 P's:
Palpable mass
Paristalsis visible
Projectile vomiting (2-4 weeks after birth)
Dentition: eruption times of permanent dentition
"Mama Is In Pain, Papa Can Make Medicine":
1st Molar: 6 years
1st Incisor: 7 years
2nd Incisor: 8 years
1st Premolar: 9 years
2nd Premolar: 10 years
Canine: 11 years
2nd Molar: 12 years
3rd Molar: 18-25 years
Cyanotic heart diseases: 5 types
· Use your five fingers:
1 finger up: Truncus Arteriosus (1 vessel)
2 fingers up: Dextroposition of the Great Arteries (2
vessels transposed)
3 fingers up: Tricuspid Atresia (3=Tri)
4 fingers up: Tetralogy of Fallot (4=Tetra)
5 fingers up: Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous
Return (5=5 words)
Haematuria: differential in children
ABCDEFGHIJK:
Anatomy (cysts, etc)
Bladder (cystitis)
Cancer (Wilm's tumour)
Drug related (cyclophosphamide)
Exercise induced
Factitious (Munchausen by proxy)
Glomerulonephritis
Haematology (bleeding disorder, sickle cell)
Infection (UTI)
In Jury (trauma)
Kidney stones (hypercalciuria)

Septic Arthritis: most common cause
Staphylococcus Aureus is the most common cause of
Septic Arthritis in the pediatric population.
Cough (chronic): differential
When cough in nursery, rock the "CRADLE":
Cystic fibrosis
Rings, slings, and airway things (tracheal rings)/
Respiratory infections
Aspiration (swallowing dysfunction, TE fistula,
gastroesphageal reflux)
Dyskinetic cilia
Lung, airway, and vascular malformations
(tracheomalacia, vocal cord dysfunction)
Edema (heart failure)
Breast feeding: contraindicated drugs
BREAST:
Bromocriptine/ Benzodiazepines
Radioactive isotopes/ Rizatriptan
Ergotamine/ Ethosuximide
Amiodarone/ Amphetamines
Stimulant laxatives/ Sex hormones
Tetracycline/ Tretinoin
Beckwith-Widemann syndrome: features
HOMO:
Hypoglycemia
Omphalocel
Macroglossia/ Macrosomia
Organomegaly
APGAR:
Appearance: cyanosis--peripheral, central, none
Pulse: pulse rate
Grimace: response to stimulation
Activity: movement of the baby (muscle tone)
Respiration: respiratory rate
Guthrie card: diseases identified with it
"Guthrie Cards Can Help Predict Bad Metabolism":
Galactosaemia
Cystic fibrosis
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Hypothyroidism
Phenylketonuria
Biotidinase deficiency
Maple syrup urine disease
Pediatric milestones in development
1 year:
-single words
2 years:
-2 word sentences
-understands 2 step commands
3 years:
-3 word combos
-repeats 3 digits
-rides tricycle
4 years:
-draws square
-counts 4 objects
Head circumference with age
· Remember 3, 9, and multiples of 5:
Newborn 35 cm
3 mos 40 cm
9 mos 45 cm
3 yrs 50 cm
9 yrs 55 cm
Weights of children with age
Newborn 3 kg
6 mos 6 kg (2x birth wt at 6 mos)
1 yr 10 kg (3x birth wt at 1 yr)
3 yrs 15 kg (odd yrs, add 5 kg until 11 yrs)
5 yrs 20 kg
7 yrs 25 kg
9 yrs 30 kg
11 yrs 35 kg (add 10 kg thereafter)
13 yrs 45 kg
15 yrs 55 kg
17 yrs 65 kg
Cystic fibrosis: exacerbation of pulmonary
infection
CF PANCREAS:
Cough (increase in intensity and frequent spells)
Fever (usually low grade, unless severe
bronchopneumonia is present)
Pulmonary function deterioration
Appetite decrease
Nutrition, weight loss
CBC (leukocytosis with left shift)
Radiograph (increase overaeration, peribronchial
thickening, mucus plugging)
Exam (rales or wheezing in previously clear areas,
tachypnea, retractions)
Activity (decreased, impaired exercise intolerance,
increased absenteeism)
Sputum (becomes darker, thicker, and more

abundant, forming plugs)
Cyanotic heart diseases: 5 types
· 5 T's:
Tetralogy of Fallot
Transposition of the great arteries
Truncus arteriosus
Tricuspid atresia, pulmonary aTresia
Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage
Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS): components
"Remember to decrease the RATE of IV fluids in
these patients":
Renal failure
Anemia (microangiopathic, hemolytic)
Thrombocytopenia
Encephalopathy (TTP)
Rubella: congenital signs
"Rubber Ducky, I'm so blue!" (like the "Rubber
Ducky" song):
Rubber: Rubella
Ducky: Patent Ductus Arteriosus, VSD and
pulmonary artery stenosis.
I'm: Eyes (cataracts, retinopathy, micropthalmia,
glaucoma).
Blue: "Blueberry Muffin" rash (extramedullary
hematopoesis in skin +purpura)
· Also, deafness, growth retardation, and some more.
Cerebral palsy (CP): most likely cause
CP: Cerebral Palsy
Child Premature
· The premature brain is more prone to all the
possible insults.
Guthrie card: diseases identified with it
GUTHRIE:
Galactosaemia
Urine [maple syrup urine disease]
THyRoid [hypothyroidism]
Inborn Errors of metabolism [eg: PKU]
Vacterl syndrome: components
VACTERL:
Vertebral anomalies
Anorectal malformation
Cardiac anomaly
Tracheo-esophageal fistula
Exomphalos (aka omphalocele)
Renal anomalies
Limb anomalies
Perez reflex
Eliciting the PErEz reflex will make the baby PEE.
Duodenal atresia vs. Pyloric stenosis: site of
obstruction
Duodenal Atresia: Distal to Ampulla of vater.
Pyloric stenosis: Proximal to it.
Cyanotic congenital heart diseases
5 T's:
Truncus arteriosus
Transposition of the great arteries
Tricuspid atresia
Tetrology of Fallot
Total anomalous pulmonary venous return
Paediatric history taking
· Begin with standard things: patient name,
presenting complaint, history of presenting
complaint and past medical history.
· Then ask BIFIDA:
Birth details and problems
Immunisations
Feeding
Infection, exposure to
Development, normality of
Allergies
· End by customary review of the rest of the standard
things: medications, family history and social
history.
Gastroschisis: usual location
GasTRoscHIsis usually occurs on the
RIGHT side of the umbilicus.
(Unscramble the letters).
Bilirubin: phototherapy
BiLirUbin absorbs light maximally in the
BLUe range.
Russell Silver syndrome: features
ABCDEF:
Asymmetric limb (hemihypertrophy)
Bossing (frontal)
Clinodactyly/ Cafe au lait spots
Dwarf (short stature)

Excretion (GU malformation)
Face (triangular face, micrognathia)
WAGR syndrome: components
WAGR:
Wilm's tumor
Aniridia
Gential abnormalities
Mental retardation
Ataxia-Telangiectasia (AT): common sign
AT:
Absent
Thymus
· Five B's:
Breathing (respiratory effort)
Beating (heart rate)
Buff (tone)
Bothered (response to stimulation)
Blue (cyanosis)
Vitamin toxicities: neonatal
Excess vitamin A: Anomalies (teratogenic)
Excess vitamin E: Enterocolitis (necrotizing
enterocolitis)
Excess vitamin K: Kernicterus (hemolysis)
Breast feeding: benefits
ABCDEFGH:
· Infant:
Allergic condition reduced
Best food for infant
Close relationship with mother
Development of IQ, jaws, mouth
· Mother:
Econmical
Fitness: quick return to pre-pregnancy body shape
Guards against cancer: breast, ovary, uterus
Hemorrhage (postpartum) reduced
Milk protein: women vs. cows
Woman: Whey (mostly)
Cow: Casein (mostly)
Pharmacology Mnemonics
Emergency Mnemonics
Teratogenic drugs: major non-antibiotics TAP CAP:
Thalidomide Androgens Progestins Corticosteroids
Aspirin & indomethacin Phenytoin
Steroid side effects CUSHINGOID:
Cataracts
Ulcers
Skin: striae, thinning, bruising
Hypertension/ Hirsutism/ Hyperglycemia
Infections
Necrosis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head
Glycosuria
Osteoporosis, obesity
Immunosuppression
Diabetes
Muscarinic effects SLUG BAM:
Salivation/ Secretions/ Sweating
Lacrimation
Urination
Gastrointestinal upset
Bradycardia/ Bronchoconstriction/ Bowel movement
Abdominal cramps/ Anorexia
Miosis
Sulfonamide: major side effects
· Sulfonamide side effects:

Steven-Johnson syndrome
Skin rash
Solubility low (causes crystalluria)
Serum albumin displaced (causes newborn kernicterus and
potentiation of other serum albumin-binders like warfarin)
Epilepsy types, drugs of choice:
"Military General Attacked Weary Fighters Pronouncing
'Veni Vedi Veci' After Crushing Enemies":
· Epilepsy types: Myoclonic Grand mal Atonic West
syndrome Focal Petit mal (absence)
· Respective drugs: Valproate Valproate Valproate
ACTH Carbamazepine Ethosuximide
Narcotics: side effects "SCRAM if you see a drug
dealer": Synergistic CNS depression with other drugs
Constipation
Respiratory depression
Addiction
Miosis
Sex hormone drugs: male "Feminine Males Need
Testosterone":
Fluoxymesterone
Methyltestosterone
Nandrolone
Testosterone
Ca++ channel blockers: uses CA++ MASH:
Cerebral vasospasm/ CHF
Angina
Migranes
Atrial flutter, fibrillation
Supraventricular tachycardia
Hypertension
· Alternatively: "CHASM":
Cererbral vasospasm / CHF
Hypertension
Angina
Suprventricular tachyarrhythmia
Migranes
Disulfiram-like reaction inducing drugs "PM PMT" as
in Pre Medical Test in the PM:
Procarbazine
Metronidazole
Cefo (Perazone, Mandole, Tetan).
Delerium-causing drugs ACUTE CHANGE IN MS:
Antibiotics (biaxin, penicillin, ciprofloxacin)
Cardiac drugs (digoxin, lidocaine)
Urinary incontinence drugs (anticholinergics)
Theophylline
Ethanol

Corticosteroids
H2 blockers
Antiparkinsonian drugs
Narcotics (esp. mepridine)
Geriatric psychiatric drugs
ENT drugs
Insomnia drugs
NSAIDs (eg indomethacin, naproxin)
Muscle relaxants
Seizure medicines
Morphine: side-effects MORPHINE:
Myosis
Out of it (sedation)
Respiratory depression
Pneumonia (aspiration)
Hypotension
Infrequency (constipation, urinary retention)
Nausea
Emesis
Therapeutic dosage: toxicity values for most commonly
monitored medications
"The magic 2s":
Digitalis (.5-1.5) Toxicity = 2.
Lithium (.6-1.2) Toxicity = 2.
Theophylline (10-20) Toxicity = 20.
Dilantin (10-20) Toxicity = 20.
APAP (1-30) Toxicity = 200.
Diuretics:
thiazides: indications "CHIC to use thiazides":
CHF
Hypertension
Insipidous
Calcium calculi
Migraine: prophylaxis drugs
"Very Volatile Pharmacotherapeutic Agents For Migraine
Prophylaxis":
Verpamil
Valproic acid
Pizotifen
Amitriptyline
Flunarizine
Methysergide
Propranolol
Adrenoceptors: vasomotor function of alpha vs. beta
ABCD:
Alpha = Constrict.

Anatomy, Biochemistry Mnemonics

Anatomy, Biochemistry Mnemonics

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Viewers also liked

Viewers also liked (20)

Similar to Anatomy, Biochemistry Mnemonics

Similar to Anatomy, Biochemistry Mnemonics (20)

More from Oriba Dan Langoya

More from Oriba Dan Langoya (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Anatomy, Biochemistry Mnemonics