Master Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome

Waterhouse

Picmonic

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is usually caused by Neisseria meningitidis infection, and is defined as 1º adrenal failure due to massive adrenal hemorrhage. This syndrome is also associated with septicemia, DIC and hypotension leading to endotoxic shock.

5 KEY FACTS

This syndrome is defined by rapidly developing adrenocortical insufficiency caused by massive hemorrhage. Patients typically show hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, and hyperkalemia, along with adrenal failure in the ACTH stimulation test.

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome involves massive adrenal hemorrhage, which often occurs bilaterally. This hemorrhagic adrenalitis is typically caused by tubercular infection of the adrenal glands by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

As a combined result of 1º adrenal failure and massive hemorrhage, patients display hypotension, which can rapidly progress to septic shock.

Neisseria meningitidis is a common cause and association with Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome (WFS), as it can acutely and selectively affect the adrenals. Pseudomonas, Haemophilus, and Staphylococcus aureus can also be associated with WFS.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is another common association with Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome (WFS). Patients develop purpura and petechiae and can display alterations of PT and PTT, further suggesting DIC with this syndrome.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

11 Beta-Hydroxylase Deficiency

21 Hydroxylase Deficiency

Pheochromocytoma

Addison's Disease

Addisonian Crisis

Take the Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

See more reviews

Picmonic for Medicine Covers

Medicine (MD/DO)
2,100+ Videos
25,000+ Facts

*Average video play time: 2-3 minutes

Search for a specific Video or category now!

Or create your own Picmonic

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 2,040,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.