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Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs when the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood. As wastes and fluids build up, the body’s chemical balance can become dangerously disrupted. AKI was previously called acute kidney failure and is most common in hospitalized patients, especially those in intensive care. AKI can range from mild to severe. In serious or untreated cases, it can be life-threatening. However, when identified early and managed properly, AKI is often reversible, and many people—especially those who were previously healthy—can recover normal or near-normal kidney function. Symptoms AKI may cause: Reduced urine output Fluid buildup leading to swelling of legs, ankles or feet, and shortness of breath Fatigue and weakness Confusion or mental fog Nausea or loss of appetite Pain in the abdomen or side below the ribs Irregular heartbeat Itching Chest pain or pressure Seizures or coma in severe cases Sometimes AKI causes no noticeable symptoms and is discovered through routine blood tests. When to see a doctor Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms suggestive of acute kidney injury. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent serious complications.

What Is Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)? Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. In a healthy body, blood stem cells mature into red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells (lymphocytes) that help fight infection. In CLL, too many blood stem cells develop into abnormal lymphocytes, also called leukemia cells. These cells do not function properly and cannot fight infections effectively. As they accumulate in the bone marrow and bloodstream, they crowd out healthy blood cells. This can lead to anemia, increased risk of infections, and easy bruising or bleeding. CLL is considered a chronic leukemia, meaning it usually progresses slowly over time. Risk Factors for CLL The main risk factors associated with CLL include: Family history of CLL Family history of cancers of the lymphatic system Age over 70 Male sex White ethnicity Exposure to Agent Orange CLL does not appear to be linked to diet, infections, or smoking. Symptoms of CLL CLL often develops silently. Many people have the disease for years without symptoms and are diagnosed incidentally during routine blood tests for unrelated conditions. When symptoms do appear, they may include: Fatigue and weakness Enlarged lymph nodes (felt as painless lumps under the skin) Abdominal discomfort or a feeling of fullness due to an enlarged spleen Unexplained weight loss Night sweats Frequent or severe infections Types of CLL There are two main biological forms of CLL: Slow-growing (indolent) CLL, which may not require treatment for many years Faster-growing (aggressive) CLL, which progresses more rapidly and requires earlier treatment The difference between these types cannot be determined by symptoms alone. Specialized laboratory and genetic testing are required to identify the form of CLL and guide treatment decisions.

What Is a Cerebral Arteriovenous Fistula? A cerebral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal direct connection between an artery and a vein in the brain. How Normal Blood Flow Works In a healthy circulatory system: Blood flows from arteries → capillaries → veins Capillaries slow blood flow so oxygen and nutrients can be delivered to brain tissue Veins then carry blood back to the heart What Happens in an AVF In a cerebral AVF: Blood bypasses the capillaries Blood flows directly from an artery into a vein This causes high-pressure arterial blood to enter veins that are not designed to handle it Over time, this abnormal circulation can: Reduce oxygen delivery to brain tissue Increase pressure inside veins Raise the risk of bleeding and neurological damage Cerebral AVFs may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. Symptoms of a Cerebral Arteriovenous Fistula Symptoms vary depending on the size, location, and blood flow of the AVF. Some people have no symptoms initially, while others develop serious complications. Common symptoms include: Hemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding in the brain Sudden severe headache Weakness or numbness Difficulty speaking or moving Seizures Pulsatile tinnitus (a rhythmic “whooshing” sound in the ear) Audible bruit (a sound caused by turbulent blood flow) Neck or back pain Neurological deficits depending on the affected brain area Symptoms can worsen suddenly if bleeding occurs, which is a medical emergency. Causes of Cerebral Arteriovenous Fistulas Cerebral AVFs can develop for several reasons: Congenital Causes Abnormal blood vessel development during fetal growth Present at birth, though symptoms may appear later Acquired Causes Trauma (e.g., head injury, gunshot or stab wounds) Surgical or medical procedures involving blood vessels Vascular conditions, such as aneurysms or other malformations Spontaneous formation, especially in older adults Note: AVFs created surgically for dialysis are intentional and occur outside the brain. Cerebral AVFs are abnormal and potentially dangerous. Complications and Related Conditions If left untreated, a cerebral AVF can lead to serious complications: Brain Bleeding (Intracranial Hemorrhage) Veins exposed to high arterial pressure may rupture Can cause stroke, brain damage, coma or death Seizures Caused by irritation of brain tissue from abnormal blood flow or bleeding Heart Strain and Heart Failure Large AVFs force the heart to pump harder Over time, this can lead to high-output heart failure Blood Clots Turbulent blood flow increases clot formation Can result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism