1/🧵
Why does Wenckebach AV nodal block (aka Mobitz type 1) present with progressive prolongation of the PR interval and eventually a non-conducted P wave?
3/ The pattern Wenckebach observed corresponds exactly w/ the progressive PR prolongation, followed by a non-conducted P wave, that characterizes what we call “Wenckebach” heart block.
💥 Amazingly, he observed this BEFORE the AV node was discovered.
13/ Wenckebach cycle length, and P:QRS ratios, are determined by when depolarizations shift into the Absolute Refractory Period.
Earlier shifts lead to shorter cycles and a lower ratio, eg 4:3.
Later shifts lead to longer cycles and a higher ratio, eg 5:4.
14/ 🫀 The Wenckebach pattern arises when ⬇️AV node conduction ➡️depolarization during the Relative Refractory Period
🫀 This progressively ⬆️ PR intervals w/ each beat
🫀 Eventually depolarization occurs during the Absolute Refractory Period and results in a non-conducted p-wave
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1/ Why can multiple sclerosis symptoms worsen with heat exposure, something known as the Uhthoff phenomenon?
This question is especially relevant in the era of record-breaking heat waves and climate change.
#tweetorial #medtwitter
2/ In 1890, Wilhelm Uhthoff noted multiple sclerosis (MS) patients having a “marked deterioration of visual acuity during exercise" or after a hot bath, which ⬆️ body temperature.
1 patient lost vision just by walking vigorously in Uhthoff's clinic.
3/ The Uhthoff phenomenon is now recognized as exceedingly common in MS.
Up to 80% of patients experience ⬆️ neurological symptoms w/ even small body temp increases. These can include diminished physical (eg gait) and cognitive (eg mental fog) function.
1/THREAD
Has it ever occurred to you that Graves' disease presents a conundrum?
Graves' involves an autoimmune antibody that ACTIVATES a receptor, which is relatively unique in the landscape of human disease.
Let's unpack this fascinating mechanism.
#medtwitter #tweetorial
2/ Graves’ disease was first described by English physician Caleb Parry in 1786, when he noted an association between thyroid enlargement, tachyarrythmias, and exopthalmos in 8 patients.
Parry’s son posthumously published his description in 1825.
I ask teams to focus on efficiency, ⬆️ time for teaching/ discussion
⏳⬇️ transitions b/w patients by alerting next RN
⏳Enter orders on rounds, w/ clearly defined roles as to who will do that
⏳Present from memory (if possible), focusing on critical issues
2️⃣ Education
🧠I ❤️ to teach but avoid overwhelming residents by teaching high yield points on 2-3 patients max. I supplement w/ PM chalk talks after lunch and notes are done
🧠 I also ask each learner to share one learning point from rounds, and do so myself as well