| ectopic ACTH syndrome | <syndrome> The association of Cushing's syndrome with a non-pituitary neoplasm, usually a lung carcinoma that produces ACTH. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| acth syndrome, ectopic | Symptom complex due to acth production by non-pituitary neoplasms. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| ACTH | <endocrinology> A peptide hormone that is produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoid hormones, which help cells synthesise glucose, catabolize proteins, mobilizefree fatty acids and inhibit inflammation in allergic responses. (10 May 1997) |
| ACTH-producing adenoma | <tumour> A pituitary tumour composed of corticotrophs that produce ACTH, often a basophilic adenoma; may give rise to Cushing's disease or Nelson's syndrome. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ACTH stimulation test | A test for adrenal cortical function; ACTH administered by continuous intravenous infusion, or intramuscularly, evokes an increase in plasma cortisol in normal persons; in adrenal cortical insufficiency, the expected increase in plasma cortisol is limited or nonexistent. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ACTH suppression test | <investigation> A test that measures the response of the adrenal glands to ACTH. In this case, dexamethasone is given to the patient and then blood cortisol levels are measured. Under normal conditions, cortisol levels should drop in response to dexamethasone. In this test one milligram of dexamethasone is administered in the morning and then the blood is drawn for analysis the following morning. Abnormal test results can indicate Cushing's syndrome. (27 Sep 1997) |
| aborted ectopic pregnancy | The rupture of an oviduct, the seat of ectopic pregnancy, or extrusion of the product of conception through the fimbriated end of the oviduct; aborted ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy having originated in the fallopian tubes. Synonym: aborted ectopic pregnancy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| persistent ectopic pregnancy | An ectopic pregnancy which has persistent viable tissue, secreting hCG after conservative surgery. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pregnancy, ectopic | A pregnancy that is not in the usual place and is located outside the inner lining of the uterus. A fertilised egg settles and grows in any location other than the inner lining of the uterus. The vast majority of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube (95%), however, they can occur in other locations, such as the ovary, cervix, and abdominal cavity. An ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 1 in 60 pregnancies. A major concern with an ectopic pregnancy is internal bleeding. If there is any doubt, seek medical attention promptly. (12 Dec 1998) |
| pregnancy, ectopic, symptoms of | Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can often be vague and include vaginal bleeding, abdominal or pelvic pain (usually stronger on one side),shoulder pain, weakness, or dizziness. Weakness, dizziness, and a sense of passing out upon standing can represent serious internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention. (12 Dec 1998) |
| hormones, ectopic | Hormones released from neoplasms or cells outside the usual sources of hormones. Such hormones may be useful as tumour markers. (12 Dec 1998) |
| tachycardia, ectopic atrial | A tachycardia originating in the atrial myocardium and characterised by rates between 135 and 175 beats per minute. (12 Dec 1998) |
| tachycardia, ectopic junctional | A tachycardia arising in the conduction tissues surrounding the atrioventricular node. It usually occurs during myocardial infarction, after heart surgery, or in digitalis intoxication. The rate may range from 140 to 250 beats per minute. (12 Dec 1998) |
| ectopic | Pertaining to or characterised by ectopia. (18 Nov 1997) |
| ectopic beat | A cardiac beat originating elsewhere than at the sinoatrial node. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ectopic decidua | Decidual cells which may be found in the cervix, appendix, or areas other than the endometrium. (05 Mar 2000) |