top of page


Pericarditis vs Tamponade vs Constriction
TL;DR Cardio: Pericarditis vs. Tamponade vs. Constriction is a classic MRCP Part 1 comparison that tests clinical reasoning across inflammation, acute compression, and chronic restriction. Pericarditis presents with pleuritic chest pain and diffuse ST elevation; tamponade causes hypotension with raised JVP and pulsus paradoxus; constrictive pericarditis leads to chronic right heart failure with Kussmaul’s sign. Recognising these patterns quickly is essential for exam success.

Crack Medicine
May 44 min read


Restrictive Cardiomyopathy & Amyloid Heart
TL;DR For Cardio: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy & Amyloid Heart , MRCP Part 1 tests your ability to recognise diastolic dysfunction with preserved systolic function, especially the hallmark ECG–echo mismatch seen in cardiac amyloidosis. Think “stiff ventricles, normal size, enlarged atria,” alongside systemic features like neuropathy or macroglossia. Differentiating restrictive cardiomyopathy from constrictive pericarditis is a recurring exam theme. Why this matters Restrictive

Crack Medicine
May 43 min read


Endo: 25 Practice MCQs | MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Endo: 25 Practice MCQs (Endocrinology) is a high-yield method to master core endocrine concepts for MRCP Part 1 . Focus on diabetes, thyroid disease, calcium disorders, adrenal pathology, and pituitary conditions—these consistently appear in exams. Use MCQs actively: learn patterns, identify traps, and reinforce clinical reasoning. Combine question practice with revision and timed mocks for best results. Why this matters Endocrinology is a core scoring domain in MRCP P

Crack Medicine
May 33 min read


HOCM vs DCM for MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Cardio: Cardiomyopathies: HOCM vs. DCM is a high-yield MRCP Part 1 topic that hinges on differentiating diastolic dysfunction with dynamic obstruction (HOCM) from systolic failure with ventricular dilatation (DCM). Key exam clues include murmur variation, echocardiographic findings, and complication profiles. Mastering these distinctions improves accuracy in vignette-based questions and pharmacology traps. Why this matters Cardiomyopathies are frequently tested in MRCP

Crack Medicine
May 33 min read


Endo: 50 High-Yield Facts for MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Endo: 50 High-Yield Facts (Endocrinology) is a rapid-revision guide designed to maximise scoring in MRCP Part 1 . It focuses on the most tested endocrine domains—thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, calcium–bone, and diabetes—using concise facts, exam traps, and a practical case. Revise patterns, not isolated values, and reinforce learning with MCQs and mock exams. Why this matters Endocrinology consistently contributes a reliable number of questions in MRCP Part 1 , but these

Crack Medicine
May 23 min read


CAH Basics for MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) Basics are a high-yield, predictable topic in MRCP Part 1, centred on enzyme deficiencies affecting cortisol synthesis. Focus on 21-hydroxylase deficiency, electrolyte patterns, and raised 17-hydroxyprogesterone. Most exam questions rely on recognising clinical and biochemical patterns rather than detailed memorisation. Mastering a few core pathways can secure easy marks. Why this matters CAH is important because: It links adrenal p

Crack Medicine
May 23 min read


Male Hypogonadism & Klinefelter’s MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Endo: Male Hypogonadism & Klinefelter’s is a frequently tested endocrine topic in MRCP Part 1 , focusing on differentiating primary vs secondary hypogonadism using hormone profiles. Klinefelter’s syndrome (47,XXY) presents with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, small testes, and infertility. Questions commonly test pattern recognition rather than recall. Mastering these patterns can secure easy exam marks. Why this matters Male hypogonadism is a classic integration topic

Crack Medicine
May 13 min read


Amenorrhea: Primary vs Secondary Causes
TL;DR Amenorrhea: Primary vs Secondary Causes is a high-yield MRCP Part 1 topic that tests your understanding of endocrine, anatomical, and systemic causes of absent menstruation. Primary amenorrhea relates to failure to initiate menses, while secondary refers to cessation after prior cycles. The exam focus is on structured evaluation (pregnancy → hormones → anatomy) and recognising key syndromes such as Turner, PCOS, and hypothalamic amenorrhea. Mastering patterns and pitfal

Crack Medicine
May 13 min read


Thyroid Cancer Types for MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Endo: Thyroid Cancer Types (Papillary to Anaplastic) is a core MRCP Part 1 topic centred on recognising tumour origin, spread patterns, and key markers. Papillary and follicular cancers are differentiated with favourable prognosis, while medullary and anaplastic cancers are clinically distinct and higher risk. Most exam questions rely on pattern recognition—histology, tumour markers, and metastatic routes. Focus on distinguishing features rather than memorising isolate

Crack Medicine
Apr 303 min read


DKA vs HHS for MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Endo: Diabetic Emergencies: DKA vs. HHS is a core MRCP Part 1 topic testing rapid differentiation and safe management. DKA features ketosis and acidosis, whereas HHS presents with severe hyperglycaemia and hyperosmolality without significant ketosis. Initial management prioritises fluids, potassium correction, and controlled insulin therapy. Recognising key differences prevents complications such as cerebral oedema (DKA) and thrombotic events (HHS). Why this matters In

Crack Medicine
Apr 302 min read


SIADH Causes & Management Algorithm
TL;DR Endo: SIADH: Causes & Management Algorithm is a core MRCP Part 1 topic focused on euvolaemic hyponatraemia with inappropriately concentrated urine. Diagnose using hypotonic hyponatraemia, urine osmolality >100 mOsm/kg, urine sodium >30 mmol/L, and clinical euvolaemia after excluding thyroid and adrenal disease. Management is severity-based: fluid restriction first-line, hypertonic saline for severe symptoms, and treatment of the underlying cause. Avoid rapid correction

Crack Medicine
Apr 293 min read


Diabetes Insipidus (Cranial vs Nephrogenic)
TL;DR Endo: Diabetes Insipidus (Cranial vs. Nephrogenic) is a high-yield MRCP Part 1 topic centred on polyuria, polydipsia, and ADH physiology. The key to scoring is distinguishing central (ADH deficiency) from nephrogenic (renal resistance) using the water deprivation test and desmopressin response. Focus on causes such as lithium, interpretation of urine osmolality, and targeted management strategies. Why this matters In MRCP Part 1 , endocrine questions frequently test phy

Crack Medicine
Apr 293 min read


Hypoglycaemia & Insulinoma: MRCP Guide
TL;DR Hypoglycaemia is a high-yield topic in MRCP Part 1, frequently tested through biochemical interpretation and clinical scenarios. “Hypoglycemia: Investigation & Insulinoma” centres on confirming Whipple’s triad, interpreting insulin and C-peptide levels, and distinguishing endogenous from exogenous causes. The 72-hour fasting test remains the gold standard for insulinoma diagnosis. Mastering patterns rather than memorising facts is key to scoring well. Why this matters H

Crack Medicine
Apr 283 min read


Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s) MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s) is a high-yield endocrine cause of secondary hypertension frequently tested in MRCP Part 1. It typically presents with hypertension, suppressed renin, and elevated aldosterone, sometimes with hypokalaemia. Diagnosis relies on the aldosterone–renin ratio followed by confirmatory testing. Early recognition and correct subtype classification are essential for both exams and clinical practice. Why this matters Primary Hyperaldosteronism (

Crack Medicine
Apr 283 min read


Rheum: Endo: MEN Syndromes (Type 1, 2A, 2B) for MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Rheum: Endo: MEN Syndromes (Type 1, 2a, 2b) are high-yield endocrine topics in MRCP Part 1 , focusing on tumour patterns, genetic mutations, and screening priorities. MEN1 involves the “3 Ps” (parathyroid, pancreas, pituitary), while MEN2 syndromes revolve around RET mutations and medullary thyroid carcinoma. The key to exam success is distinguishing MEN2A vs MEN2B and remembering management order (treat phaeochromocytoma first). Expect pattern-recognition MCQs with gen

Crack Medicine
Apr 273 min read


Phaeochromocytoma & Paraganglioma | MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Endo: Phaeochromocytoma & Paraganglioma are catecholamine-secreting tumours frequently tested in MRCP Part 1 , especially for diagnosis, genetics, and perioperative management. Suspect them in episodic hypertension with headache, sweating, and palpitations; confirm with plasma metanephrines. Always initiate alpha-blockade before beta-blockade to avoid hypertensive crisis. Genetic syndromes and biochemical testing strategies are common exam traps. Why this matters Phae

Crack Medicine
Apr 273 min read


Neuroendocrine Tumors & Carcinoid Syndrome
TL;DR Neuroendocrine Tumors & Carcinoid Syndrome are high-yield topics for MRCP Part 1, commonly testing serotonin metabolism, 5-HIAA interpretation, and right-sided cardiac complications. Focus on recognising the classic triad, understanding when symptoms occur (especially with liver metastases), and knowing octreotide as first-line therapy. Expect integrated questions linking pathology, biochemistry, and clinical findings. Why this matters Within MRCP Part 1 , neuroendocrin

Crack Medicine
Apr 264 min read


Rheum: 25 Practice MCQs for MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Preparing for MRCP Part 1 , rheumatology is a high-yield topic where pattern recognition and antibody knowledge are crucial. This guide on Rheum: 25 Practice MCQs (Rheumatology) outlines key topics, exam traps, and practical strategies to improve accuracy. Use it to strengthen clinical reasoning and maximise marks in inflammatory and autoimmune disease questions. Why this matters Rheumatology consistently contributes a significant portion of MRCP Part 1 questions. The

Crack Medicine
Apr 263 min read


Rheum: 50 High-Yield Facts (Rheumatology) for MRCP Part 1
TL;DR Rheum: 50 High-Yield Facts (Rheumatology) for MRCP Part 1 focuses on the most testable autoimmune, inflammatory, and crystal arthropathies. Prioritise pattern recognition (joint distribution, antibodies, systemic involvement) and key drug associations. Many questions hinge on subtle distinctions such as RA vs OA or ANCA patterns. Use this concise guide, mini-case, and checklist to maximise exam performance. Why this matters Rheumatology is a consistently high-yield do

Crack Medicine
Apr 253 min read


Osteomalacia, Rickets & Paget’s Disease
TL;DR Osteomalacia, Rickets & Paget’s Disease are core metabolic bone disorders tested in MRCP Part 1. Focus on biochemical patterns (calcium, phosphate, ALP, PTH), age-related presentation, and hallmark imaging features. Distinguishing vitamin D deficiency disorders from Paget’s disease is a high-yield exam skill. Why this matters Metabolic bone disease is a consistently tested area in MRCP Part 1 , often appearing as short clinical stems with lab data. The exam rewards rapi

Crack Medicine
Apr 243 min read
bottom of page