| autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura | <haematology> A rare autoimmune disorder characterised by an acute shortage of platelets with resultant bruising and spontaneous bleeding. The platelet count becomes exceedingly low and spontaneous bleeding from the gums, gastrointestinal tract and nose can be seen. Physical examination may demonstrate enlargement of the spleen. A typical rash occurs to do microscopic haemorrhage of small blood vessels in the skin. Platelet counts under 10,000 can lead to spontaneous haemorrhage into the brain causing death. Treatment with corticosteroids is generally effective. Surgical removal of the spleen (splenectomy) is reserved for some patients. Anti-platelet antibodies are detectable in some cases. It may present in either an acute or a chronic form. Acronym: ITP (20 Sep 2002) |
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| autoimmune thyroiditis | <endocrinology> Inflammation of the thyroid gland without the formation of pus. Noninfectious nonbacterial thyroid inflammation. (27 Sep 1997) |
| polyendocrinopathies, autoimmune | Autoimmune disease affecting multiple endocrine organs. Type I is characterised by childhood onset and mucocutaneous candidiasis, while type II exhibits any combination of adrenal insufficiency (addison's disease), lymphocytic thyroiditis, hypoparathyroidism, and gonadal failure. In both types organ-specific antibodies against a variety of endocrine glands have been detected. The type II syndrome differs from type I in that it is associated with HLA-a1 and b8 haplotypes, onset is usually in adulthood, and candidiasis is not present. (12 Dec 1998) |
| hepatitis, autoimmune | An unresolving, predominately periportal, hepatitis, usually with hypergammaglobulinaemia and serum autoantibodies. The existence of subgroups (types 1, 2, and 3) based on serological findings are controversial. Additionally, some patients have variant forms, where there are features associated with both autoimmune hepatitis and another type of chronic liver disease (overlap syndromes) or where there are findings incompatible with autoimmune hepatitis (outlier syndromes). (12 Dec 1998) |
| systemic autoimmune diseases | A group of connective tissue disease's characterised by the presence of autoantibodies responsible for immunopathologically mediated tissue lesions; systemic lupus erythematosus is the prototype. (05 Mar 2000) |
| thyroiditis, autoimmune | A progressive disease of the thyroid gland with antibodies in the blood stream directed against the thyroid and infiltration of the gland by lymphoctes (a key type of white blood cells involved in the immune response). This immune response is against one's own thyroid. (it is autoimmune.) predominantly affects women. Can be familial. Also called hashimoto's disease or hashimoto's thyroiditis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| anterior notch of ear | A notch between the supratragic tubercle and the crus of the helix. Synonym: incisura anterior auris, anterior auricular groove, auricular notch, sulcus auriculae anterior. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anterior wall of middle ear | It contains the carotid canal and the opening of the auditory tube. Synonym: paries caroticus cavi tympani, anterior wall of middle ear, carotid wall of middle ear. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aviator's ear | See Aerotitis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Aztec ear | An auricle with the lobule absent. (05 Mar 2000) |
| bat ear | Congenital deformity of the external ear, with poor development of helix and anthelix. Synonym: bat ear. (05 Mar 2000) |
| bear's-ear | <botany> A kind of primrose (Primula auricula), so called from the shape of the leaf. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| benign ear cyst | A disorder where there are noncancerous lumps or growths within the ear canal or on the pinna of the ear (external ear). most lumps are sebaceous cysts but some are bony overgrowths known as exostoses (or osteomas). If large enough they may interfere with hearing. In this case surgical removal may be required. (27 Sep 1997) |
| boxer's ear | Thickening and induration of the ear with distortion of contours following extravasation of blood within its tissues. Synonym: boxer's ear. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Cagot ear | An auricle having no lobulus. Origin: a people in the Pyrenees among whom physical stigmata are common (05 Mar 2000) |