| idiopathic thrombocytopenic 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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| dystonia, idiopathic torsion | A form of dystonia known as early-onset torsion dystonia (also called generalised torsion dystonia) begins in childhood around the age of 12. Symptoms typically start in one part of the body, usually in an arm or leg, and eventually spread to the rest of the body within about 5 years. Early-onset torsion dystonia is not fatal, but it can be severely debilitating. (12 Dec 1998) |
| t-lymphocytopenia, idiopathic CD4-positive | Reproducible depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes below 300 per cubic millimeter in the absence of HIV infection or other known causes of immunodeficiency. This is a rare, heterogeneous syndrome and does not appear to be caused by a transmissible agent. (12 Dec 1998) |
| jaundice, chronic idiopathic | A familial chronic form of nonhemolytic jaundice thought to be due to a defect in the excretion of conjugated bilirubin and certain other organic anions (e.g., sulfobromophthalein) by the liver. It is characterised by the presence of a brown, coarsely granular pigment in the hepatic cells, which is pathognomonic of the condition. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Leber's idiopathic stellate neuroretinitis | A unilateral neuroretinitis with perifoveal exudates in Henle's nerve fibre layer producing a macular star and spontaneous regression in a few months. Synonym: Leber's idiopathic stellate neuroretinitis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Leber's idiopathic stellate retinopathy | An inflammation affecting the optic nerve head and the posterior pole of the retina, with cells in the nearby vitreous, usually producing a macular star. Synonym: papilloretinitis. (05 Mar 2000) |