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| 1. a dead cell in which the outline remains visible, but without other cytoplasmic structures or stainable nucleus; 2. an erythrocyte after loss of its hemoglobin. |
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| Surgical procedure used to remodel the cornea in the management of astigmatism; peripheral incisions are made parallel to the corneal limbus in the steep meridian. |
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| An injury to articular cartilage resulting in the separation of a narrow, curved wedge resembling a parrot's beak. |
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| Thrombophlebitis of the thoracoepigastric vein of the breast and chest wall. |
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| A principle developed by Franz Ingelfinger for use in the editorial offices of the New England Journal of Medicine, stating that original articles submitted for publication will be reviewed on the understanding that the same information will not be submitted for publication elsewhere during the period of review; has been adopted by many other peer-reviewed medical journals. |
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| The dispensing of a chemically equivalent, less expensive drug in place of a brand-name or proprietary product. |
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| Any cleft or groove between two pharyngeal arches in the embryo. |
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| In mitral stenosis, apparent duplication of the second heart sound. |
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| The time between the onset of the Q wave of the QRS complex and the right bundle-branch potential (normally 15–20 msec) on an electrocardiogram. |
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| On the sole of the foot, an area indicated by the heads of the first and fifth metatarsal bones and the center of the plantar surface of the heel. |
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| The opening of the terminal ileum into the large intestine at the transition between the cecum and the ascending colon. |
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| Abbreviation for years of potential life lost, under year. |
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| A chronic disease of unknown cause characterized by ulceration of the colon and rectum, with rectal bleeding, mucosal crypt abscesses, inflammatory pseudopolyps, abdominal pain, and diarrhea; frequently causes anemia, hypoproteinemia, and electrolyte imbalance; sometimes complicated by peritonitis, toxic megacolon, or carcinoma of the colon. |
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Definition
| Continuous measurement of intraocular pressure by means of a recording tonometer, to determine the facility of aqueous outflow. |
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| Pertains to the ability of the compound O/129 to inhibit the growth of Vibrio species; vibriostatic agent O/129 helps distinguish Vibrio species that are susceptible to the agent from closely related species that are resistant. |
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| Absence of milk in the breasts after childbirth. |
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| The concurrence of hiatal hernia, diverticulosis, and cholelithiasis. |
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| Congenital absence or defect of any body part. |
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| Paralysis affecting one or more of the extrinsic eye muscles |
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| An enclosure in which air flow is directed so as to prevent contamination of sterile materials by airborne organisms. |
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| A flat sheet of intraembryonic endoderm that will change into a tubular gut due to the folding of embryonic body—head, tail, and lateral body folds. |
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| Facial muscle of anterior cheek extending to upper lip; origin, zygomatic bone posterior to zygomaticomaxillary suture; insertion, orbicularis oris of upper lip; action, draws upper lip upward and outward; nerve supply, facial. |
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| Abbreviation for cholinesterase. |
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| An anomaly of the pulse with one or more secondary expansions of the artery following the main beat, producing secondary upward waves on the downstroke of the pulse tracing. |
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| A stress fracture in the shaft of a metatarsal bone, most often at the first metatarsal due to prolonged running or walking in military recruits unaccustomed to such activity. |
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| an enzyme catalyzing the exonucleolytic cleavage of RNA to yield 3c-phosphomononucleotides. |
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| X-ray recording of blood vessel. Contrast medium is injected into blood vessels (veins and arteries) and x-ray pictures are taken of the vessels. In cerebral angiography, x-ray pictures are taken of blood vessels in the brain. Angiography is used to detect abnormalities in blood vessels, such as blockage, malformation and arteriosclerosis. Angiography is performed most commonly to view arteries and is often used interchangeably with arteriography. |
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Definition
| X-ray recording of arteries after injection of a contrast medium into an artery. Coronary arteriography is the visualization of arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle. |
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Definition
| X-ray examinations using a liquid barium mixture to locate disorders in the esophagus (esophagogram), duodenum, small intestine (small bowel follow through) and colon (barium enema). Taken before or during the examination, barium causes the intestinal tract to stand out in silhouette when viewed through a fluoroscope or seen on an x-ray film. The barium swallow is used to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract and the barium enema is for examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract. |
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Definition
| A catheter (tube) is passed via vein or artery into the chambers of the heart. This procedure is used to measure the blood flow out of the heart and the pressures and oxygen substance in the heart chambers. Contrast medium is also introduced into heart chambers and x-ray images are taken to show heart structure. |
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Definition
| X-ray images are taken to show the body in cross-section. Contrast material may be used (injected into the bloodstream) to highlight structures such as the liver, brain, or blood vessels, and barium can be swallowed to outline gastrointestinal organs. A computer to show "slices" of body tissues, most often within the head, chest and abdomen, processes x-ray images, taken as the x-ray tube rotates around the body. |
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| X-ray of the chest may show infection (as in pneumonia or tuberculosis), emphysema, occupational exposure (asbestosis), lung tumors, or heart enlargement. |
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Definition
| X-ray recording of bile ducts. Contrast material is given by intravenous injection (I.V. cholangiogram) and collects in the gallbladder and bile ducts or is directly inserted by a tube through the mouth into bile ducts (T-tube cholangiogram). X-rays are taken of the bile ducts to identify obstructions caused by tumors or stones. |
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Definition
| X-ray recording of the urinary bladder using a contrast medium, so the outline of the urinary bladder can be seen clearly. Contrast is injected via catheter, into the urethra and urinary bladder and x-ray images are taken. A voiding cystourethrogram is an x-ray image of the urinary tract, taken while the patient is urinating. |
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Term
| DIGITAL SUBTRACTION ANGIOGRAPHY |
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Definition
| A unique x-ray technique for viewing blood vessels by taking two images and subtracting one from the other. Images are first taken without contrast and then again after contrast is injected into blood vessels. The first image is then subtracted from the second so that the final image (sharp and precise) shows only contrast-filled blood vessels minus surrounding tissue. |
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Definition
| Images of the heart are produced by introducing high-frequency sound waves through the chest into the heart. The sound waves are reflected back from the heart and echoes showing heart structure are displayed on a recording machine. It is a highly useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of diseases of the valves that separates the heart chambers and diseases of the heart muscle. |
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Definition
| An ultrasound recording of the brain. Sound waves are beamed at the brain and the echoes that return to the machine are recorded as graphic tracings. Brain tumors and hematomas can be detected by abnormal tracings. |
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| ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY |
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Definition
| X-ray recording of the bile ducts, pancreas and pancreatic duct. Contrast is injected via a tube through the mouth into the bile and pancreatic ducts and x-rays are then taken. Also known as ERCP. |
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Definition
| Barium sulfate is swallowed and x-ray images are taken of the esophagus. This test is also called a barium meal or barium swallow and is part of an upper gastrointestinal examination. |
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Definition
| X-ray procedure that uses a fluorescent screen rather than a photographic plate to show images of the body. X-rays that have passed through the body strike a screen covered with a fluorescent substance that emits yellow-green lights. Internal organs are seen directly and in motion. Fluoroscopy is used to guide the insertion of catheters and during barium tests. |
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Definition
| Sound waves are used to visualize gallstones. This procedure has replaced cholecystography, which required ingesting an iodine-based contrast substance. |
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Definition
| X-ray recording of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Contrast medium is inserted through the vagina into the uterus and fallopian tubes and x-rays are taken to detect blockage or tumor. |
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Term
| LOWER GASTROINTESTINAL EXAMINATION |
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Definition
| Liquid contrast called barium sulfate is inserted through a plastic tube (enema) into the rectum and large intestine (colon). X-ray pictures of the colon are then taken. If tumor is present in the colon, it may appear as an obstruction or irregularity. Also known as a barium enema. |
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Definition
| X-ray recording of lymph nodes and lymph vessels after contrast is injected into lymphatic vessels in the feet. The contrast medium travels upward through the lymphatic vessels of the pelvis, abdomen and chest and outlines the architecture of lymph nodes in all areas of the body. This procedure is used to detect tumors of the lymphatic system. It is also known as lymphography. |
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Definition
| Magnetic waves and radiofrequency pulses, not x-rays, are used to create an image of body organs. The images can be taken in several planes of the body frontal, sagittal (side), and transverse (cross-section) and are particularly useful in diagnosing brain tumors and tumors of the chest cavity. This procedure is also known as an MRI.. |
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Definition
| X-ray recording of the spinal cord. X-rays are taken of the fluid-filled space surrounding the spinal cord after contrast medium is injected into the subarachnoid space (between the membranes surrounding the spinal cord) at the lumbar level of the back. Myelography detects spinal tumors or ruptured, "slipped," disks that lie between the backbones (vertebrae) and press on the spinal cord. |
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Definition
| X-ray recording that shows an organ in depth. Several pictures ("slices") are taken of an organ by moving the x-ray tube and film in sequence to blur out certain regions and bring others into sharper focus. Tomograms of the kidney and lung are examples. |
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Definition
| Images are produced by beaming sound waves into the body and capturing the echoes that bounce off organs. These echoes are then processed to produce an image, not in the sharpest detail, but showing the difference between fluid and solid masses and the general position of organs. |
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Term
| UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL EXAMINATION |
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Definition
| A liquid contrast substance called barium sulfate is swallowed and x-ray pictures are taken of the esophagus (barium meal or barium swallow), duodenum and small intestine. In a small bowel follow-through, pictures are taken at increasing time intervals to follow the progress of barium through the small intestine. Identification of obstructions or ulcers is possible. |
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Definition
| X-ray recording of the kidney and urinary tract. If x-rays are taken after contrast medium is injected intravenously, the procedure is called intravenous urography (descending or excretion urography) or intravenous pyelography (IVP). If x-rays are taken after injection of contrast medium into the bladder through the urethra, the procedure is called retrograde urography or retrograde pyelography. Pyel/o means renal pelvis (the collecting chamber of the kidney). |
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Definition
| A radioactive substance is injected intravenously and its uptake in bones is detected by a scanning device. Tumors in bone can be detected by increased uptake of the radioactive material in the area of the lesion. |
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Definition
| A radioactive substance is injected intravenously and collects in any lesion that disturbs the natural barrier that exists between blood vessels and normal brain tissue (blood-brain barrier), allowing the radioactive substance to enter the brain tissue. A scanning device detects the presence of the radioactive substance and thus can identify an area of tumor, abscess, or hematoma. |
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Definition
| Radioactive gallium is injected into the bloodstream and is detected in the body using a scanning device that produces an image of the areas where gallium collects. The gallium collects in areas of tumors (Hodgkin's disease, hepatoma, various adenocarcinomas) and in areas of infection. |
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Term
| POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY |
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Definition
| Radioactive substances that release radioactive particles called positrons are injected into the body and travel to areas of the brain.. Because of the way that the positrons are released, cross-sectional color pictures can be made showing the location of the radioactive substance. This test is used to study disorders of the brain and to diagnose strokes, epilepsy, schizophrenia and migraine headaches. Also known as a PET scan. |
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Definition
| Radioactive particles are injected intravenously and travel rapidly to areas of the lung that are adequately filled with blood. Regions of obstructed blood flow due to tumor, blood clot, swelling and inflammation can be seen as nonradioactive areas on the scan. |
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Term
| PULMONARY VENTILATION SCAN |
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Definition
| Radioactive gas (xenon-133) is inhaled, and a special camera detects its presence in the lungs. The scan is used to detect lung segments that fail to fill with the radioactive gas. Lack of filling is usually due to diseases that obstruct the bronchial tubes and air sacs. This scan is also used in the evaluation of lung function prior to surgery. |
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Definition
| A radioactive substance (thallium chloride-201) is injected intravenously and travels to the heart muscle while the patient is at rest or exercising. Imaging shows up areas that have inadequate collection of radioactive substance, such as areas of blocked blood vessels Also called a thallium scan.. |
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Definition
| A radioactive iodine chemical is injected intravenously and collects in the thyroid gland. A scanning device detects the radioactive substance in the gland, measuring it and producing an image of the gland. The increased or decreased activity of the gland is demonstrated by the gland's capacity to use the radioactive iodine. A thyroid scan is used to evaluate the position, size and functioning of the thyroid gland. |
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Definition
| Surgical puncture to remove fluid from the sac (amnion) that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. The fluid contains cells from the fetus that can be examined to determine maturity, sex and congenital abnormalities. |
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Definition
| Insertion of a flexible tube (endoscope-bronchoscope) into the airway. The lining of the bronchial tubes can be seen and tissue may be removed for biopsy. The tube is usually inserted through the mouth, but can also be directly inserted into the airway during mediastinoscopy. Sedation is required for this procedure. |
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Definition
| The inspection of vaginal and cervical tissue through the insertion of a special microscope into the vagina. The vaginal walls are held apart by a speculum so that the cervix (entrance to the uterus) can come into view. |
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Definition
| The removal of a cone-shaped sample of uterine cervix tissue. This sample is then examined under a microscope for evidence of cancerous growth. The special shape of the tissue sample allows the pathologist to examine the transitional zone of the cervix, where cancers are most likely to develop. |
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Definition
| The insertion of a thin, hollow, needle through the vagina into the cul-de-sac, the space between the rectum and the uterus. Fluid is withdrawn and analyzed for evidence of cancerous cells, infection, or blood cells. |
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Definition
| The insertion of a thin tube or cystoscope (endoscope) into the urethra and then into the urinary bladder in order to visualize the bladder. A biopsy of the urinary bladder can be performed through the cystoscope. |
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Definition
| A series of probes of increasing size are systematically inserted through the opening of the cervix. The cervix is thus dilated (widened) so that a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) can be inserted to remove tissue from the lining of the uterus. The tissue is then examined under a microscope. The abbreviation for this procedure is D&C. |
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Definition
| The connection of electrodes (wires or "leads") to the body to record electric impulses from the heart. The electrocardiogram is the actual record produced and it is useful in detecting abnormalities in heart rhythms and heart disorders. Abbreviation is EKG or ECG. |
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Definition
| The connection electrodes (wires or "leads") to the scalp to record electrical activity in the brain. The electroencephalogram is the actual record produced. It is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of epilepsy and other brain lesions and in the investigation of neurological disorders. It is also used to evaluate patients in a coma (brain inactivity) and in the study of sleep disorders. Abbreviation is EEG. |
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Definition
| The insertion of needle electrodes into muscles to record electrical activity. This procedure detects injuries and diseases that affect muscles and nerves. Abbreviation is EMG. |
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Definition
| The insertion of a thin, tube-like instrument (endoscope) into an organ or cavity. The endoscope is placed through a natural opening (the mouth or anus), or into a surgical incision, as through the abdominal wall. Endoscopes contain bundles of glass fibers that carry light (fiberoptic); some instruments are equipped with a small forceps-like device that withdraws a sample of tissue for microscopic study (biopsy). Examples of endoscopy are bronchoscopy, colonoscopy, esophagoscopy, gastroscopy and laparoscopy. |
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Definition
| The insertion of an endoscope through the mouth and throat into the esophagus. Visual examination of the esophagus to detect ulcers, tumors, or other lesions is possible. |
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| ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY |
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Definition
| An endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Also called EGD. |
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Definition
| The insertion of an endoscope through the esophagus into the stomach for visual examination and/or biopsy of the stomach. When the upper portion of the small intestine is also visualized, the procedure is called EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy. |
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Definition
| The electrocardiographic record of heart activity over an extended period of time. The patient wears the Holter monitor performing normal daily activities. It detects and aids in management of heart rhythm abnormalities. Also called Holter monitoring. |
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Definition
| The insertion of an endoscope via the vagina, into the uterus for visual examination. |
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Definition
| The insertion of an endoscope into the abdomen. After the patient receives a local anesthetic, a laparoscope is inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall. This procedure allows the doctor to view the abdominal cavity, the surface of the liver and spleen and the pelvic region. The laparoscope is often used to perform fallopian tube ligation as a means of preventing pregnancy. |
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Definition
| The insertion of an endoscope into the airway in order to visually examine the voice box (larynx). A laryngoscope transmits a magnified image of the larynx through a system of lenses and mirrors. The procedure can reveal tumors and explain changes in the voice. Sputum samples and tissue biopsies are obtained by using brushes or forceps attached to the laryngoscope. |
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Definition
| The insertion of an endoscope into the mediastinum (space in the chest between the lungs and in front of the heart). A mediastinoscope is inserted through a small incision in the neck while the patient is under anesthesia. This procedure is used to biopsy lymph nodes and to examine other structures within the mediastinum. |
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Definition
| A physician uses an otoscope inserted into the ear canal to check for obstructions (e.g., wax), infection, fluid, and eardrum perforations or scarring. |
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Definition
| A physician uses an ophthalmoscope to look directly into the eye, evaluating the lens for cataracts, and the optic nerve, retina, and blood vessels in the back of the eye. |
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