| lung unit | A respiratory bronchiole together with the alveolar ducts and sacs and pulmonary alveoli into which the respiratory bronchiole leads, considered by some to include the terminal bronchiole and its subdivisions, and called a pulmonary acinus. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| lung ventilation agents | <radiology> Xe-133, most commonly used, Xe-127, t = 36.4 days; photons @ 172, 203, 375 keV, can image V after Q, Kr-81m, very expensive, t = 13 sec; photon 190 keV, can repeat V in each projection, Tc-99m DTPA aerosol, can image V in mult. Projections, image Q after V, 1 mCi most likely to be 50-75 mrad to lung, V/Q imaging (12 Dec 1998) |
| lung volume measurements | Measurement of the amount of air that the lungs may contain at various points in the respiratory cycle. (12 Dec 1998) |
| lung window | CT settings of window level and width appropriate to showing lung detail; soft tissues are white or nearly so. Mediastinal window, CT settings of window level and width appropriate to showing soft tissue structures; the lungs become black at these settings. Synonym: soft tissue window. (05 Mar 2000) |
| lymphangitic lung metastases | <radiology> Usually adenocarcinoma, breast, lung, upper GI tract (stomach, pancreas) (12 Dec 1998) |
| 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) |
| adult-onset still's disease | Although Still's disease was first described in children, it is known to begin in adults. See: Still's disease. (12 Dec 1998) |