My Scrumptiously Random First Publication

In my pathology classes, I examined the slides under the microscope like clouds in the sky, searching for familiar shapes. Late nights in the library, while sifting through books and power points, I would find succulent surprises. References to onions, cherries and other delicacies were hidden among the medical terms, describing the gross, microscopic or radiographic features of iconic disease states. I began a collection of these food-related terms. My family quickly learned of my new hobby and officially banned medical terms at the dining table. They did not want to hear about current jelly as it related to bowel movements of children.

In the December issue of the Malta Medical Journal, Dr. Masukume and I have “cherry-picked” classic food-related terms in Pediatrics, providing a feast for the senses. Intussusception is the most obvious example from our list, as it “packs a punch” with four food-related terms.

Intussusception occurs when one section of the bowel abnormally goes into another segment of bowel, similar to one section of a telescope folding into another. This causes obstruction and strangulation of the bowel, causing the stool to consists of mucus mixed with blood, resembling the appearance of red currant jelly. Physical examination may reveal a “sausage-shaped” mass upon palpation of the abdomen. Transverse imaging will reveal the “doughnut sign” and longitudinal imaging will revel the “sandwich sign.” These four terms, along with some other hallmark facts (most common form of bowel obstruction in children, typically occurs between 3 months and three years, pain relieved by squatting, involves the terminal ileum) clearly point to the diagnosis of intussusception.

Without the comparisons to food, intussusception would be another malady to memorize in quite a long list. I have now collected over 300 medical terms related to food. From fish to blueberry muffins to potato chips to strawberries, medicine is sprinkled with these metaphorical crumbs, making learning much more palatable.

To find out what medical problem could possibly be compared to a potato chip, and to see my artwork, make sure to read our article!