| graves' disease | Same as Basedow's disease. Origin: So called after Dr. Graves, of Dublin. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| disease, graves' | The most common cause of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), Graves' disease is due to a generalised (diffuse) overactivity (toxic) of the whole enlarged thyroid gland (goiter); it is also commonly known as diffuse toxic goiter. There are three components to Graves' disease: hyperthyroidism, protrusion of the eyes (ophthalmopathy), and skin lesions (dermopathy). Ophthalmopathy can cause sensitivity to light and a feeling of sand in the eyes. With further protrusion of the eyes, double vision and vision loss may occur. The ophthalmopathy tends to worsen with smoking. Dermopathy of Graves' disease is a rare, painless, reddish lumpy skin rash that occurs on the front of the leg. Graves' disease can run in families. Factors that can trigger Graves' disease include stress, smoking, radiation to the neck, medications (such as interleukin-2 and interferon-alpha), and infectious organisms such as viruses. Graves' disease can be diagnosed by a typical thyroid scan (diffuse increase uptake), the characteristic triad of ophthalmopathy, dermopathy, and hyperthyroidism, or blood testing for TSI (Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin) level which is abnormally high. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Graves | Robert James, Irish physician remembered for his description of exophthalmic goiter in 1835, 1796-1853. See: Graves' disease, Graves' ophthalmopathy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Graves' ophthalmopathy | Exophthalmos caused by increased water content of retro-ocular orbital tissues; associated with thyroid disease, usually hyperthyroidism. Synonym: endocrine ophthalmopathy, Graves' orbitopathy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Graves' optic neuropathy | Visual dysfunction due to optic nerve compression in Graves' orbitopathy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Graves' orbitopathy | Exophthalmos caused by increased water content of retro-ocular orbital tissues; associated with thyroid disease, usually hyperthyroidism. Synonym: endocrine ophthalmopathy, Graves' orbitopathy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aaa disease | Endemic anaemia of ancient Egypt, ascribed in the Papyrus Ebers to intestinal infestation with ancylostoma; now called ancylostomiasis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn | Erythroblastosis foetalis due to maternal-foetal incompatibility with respect to an antigen of the ABO blood group; the foetus possesses A or B antigen which is lacking in the mother, and the mother produces immune antibody which causes haemolysis of foetal erythrocytes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accumulation disease | A disease characterised by abnormal accumulation of a metabolic product in certain cells and tissues; examples include the mucopolysaccharidoses, lipoidoses. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Acosta's disease | A condition that results from prolonged exposure to high altitude. Symptoms include a continuous dry cough, shortness of breath, poor exercise tolerance, dizziness, headache, sleep difficulty, anorexia, confusion, fatigue and a rapid pulse. Treatment includes the immediate movement to a lower altitude. Prophylaxis has been accomplished successfully with the use of acetazolamide (Diamox). (27 Sep 1997) |
| acquired immunodeficiency disease | Acquired immunodeficiency disease: Disease caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (12 Dec 1998) |
| acute disease | Disease having a short and relatively severe course. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Adams-Stokes disease | <syndrome> Transient asystole or ventricular fibrillation in the presence of atrioventricular block. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Addison-Biermer disease | <haematology> A form of anaemia (low red blood cell counts) that results when the bone marrow fails to produce adequate numbers of red blood cells due to a deficiency in vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor, necessary for normal B12 absorption, may be the underlying cause for B12 deficiency if is not produced in the gastric glands (in the stomach). Origin: Gr. Haima = blood (27 Sep 1997) |
| Addison's disease | <endocrinology> A rare endocrine disease that results from the underproduction of aldosterone and cortisol (hormones) by the adrenal glands. Symptoms include weakness, low blood pressure, anaemia, low blood sugar and electrolyte abnormalities. (27 Sep 1997) |