| focal reaction | A reaction which occurs at the point of entrance of an infecting organism or of an injection, as in the Arthus phenomenon. Synonym: local reaction. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| focal sclerosing glomerulopathy | Focal, segmental glomerulosclerosis reported in adults and children with normal serum complement, progressing to chronic glomerulonephritis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| focal sclerosis | <neurology> Neurodegenerative disease characterised by the gradual accumulation of focal plaques of demyelination particularly in the periventricular areas of the brain. Peripheral nerves are not affected. Onset usually in 3rd or 4th decade with intermittent progression over an extended period. Cause still uncertain. (18 Nov 1997) |
| focal sclerosis with hyalinosis | <nephrology> A kidney disorder that results in fibrosis and scarring in the kidney glomerulus. The cause is unknown but some cases can result from reflux nephropathy. The clinical manifestation of this kidney disorder is nephrotic syndrome. Symptoms include weight gain, swelling, hypertension and foamy urine. High blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels are also seen with this disorder. Treatment has included the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressives. Antihypertensive agents and diuretics may also be necessary. Over one-half will develop chronic renal failure within 10 years of diagnosis. (27 Sep 1997) |
| focal segmental glomerulosclerosis | <nephrology> A kidney disorder that results in fibrosis and scarring in the kidney glomerulus. The cause is unknown but some cases can result from reflux nephropathy. The clinical manifestation of this kidney disorder is nephrotic syndrome. Symptoms include weight gain, swelling, hypertension and foamy urine. High blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels are also seen with this disorder. Treatment has included the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressives. Antihypertensive agents and diuretics may also be necessary. Over one-half will develop chronic renal failure within 10 years of diagnosis. (27 Sep 1997) |
| focal seizure | <neurology> A brief temporary alteration in movement, sensation or autonomic nerve function caused by abnormal electrical activity in a localised area of the brain. Focal seizures (i.e. Partial or Jacksonian seizures) usually cause no change in awareness or alertness. An example of a focal (partial) seizure would be rhythmic muscle contractions in one area of the body: lip smacking, mouth movements, drooling, head turning, eye movements or seemingly purposeful movements (for example picking at clothes). Other presentations may be strictly sensory with abnormal numbness, tingling or a crawling sensation to the skin. More unusual symptoms include changes in speech, thought, personality, mood, sensation of deja vu or hallucinations. (05 Jan 1998) |
| focal spot | The site of bombardment by electrons and emission of X-rays from the anode of an X-ray tube. See: focal spot size. (05 Mar 2000) |
| focal spot size | The measured size of a focal spot, a function of its actual size and the angulation of the anode surface. See: focal spot. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abnormal heart chamber dimensions | <radiology> Left ventricular volume overload, left ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular volume overload, right ventricular hypertrophy, fixed subvalvular aortic stenosis, hypoplastic left/right ventricle; common ventricle, congestive cardiomyopathy (12 Dec 1998) |
| Abrams' heart reflex | A contraction of the myocardium when the skin of the precordial region is irritated. (05 Mar 2000) |
| american heart association | A voluntary organization concerned with the prevention and treatment of heart and vascular diseases. (12 Dec 1998) |
| apex of heart | The blunt extremity of the heart formed by the left ventricle. See: apex beat. Synonym: apex cordis, vertex cordis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| armored heart | Calcareous deposits in the pericardium due to subacute or chronic pericarditis. Synonym: panzerherz. (05 Mar 2000) |
| armor heart | Extensive to complete calcification (rarely ossification) of the pericardium usually producing constrictive pericarditis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| artificial heart | A mechanical pump used to replace the function of a damaged heart, either temporarily or as a permanent prosthesis. (05 Mar 2000) |