NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Pathology
/
Adrenal Disorders
/
Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome

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

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
11 Beta-Hydroxylase Deficiency
picmonic thumbnail
21 Hydroxylase Deficiency
picmonic thumbnail
Pheochromocytoma
picmonic thumbnail
Addison's Disease
picmonic thumbnail
Addisonian Crisis

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
Acute 1° Adrenal Insufficiency
(1) Wand Acute-angle in Damaged Adrenal-gland

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.

Adrenal Hemorrhage
Adrenal-gland with Hammer-hemorrhage

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.

Hypotension
Hippo-BP

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

Neisseria meningitidis
Knife Men-in-tights

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.

DIC
Dice

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

Take the Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome Quiz

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

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

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

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

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

Over 1,870,000 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.