Glossary
- myocardial infarction
- Myocardial infarction
- Myocardial infarction is necrosis of myocardial tissue which occurs as a result of a deprivation of blood supply, and thus oxygen, to the heart tissue. Blockage of blood supply to the myocardium is caused by occlusion of a coronary artery.
- 410 grams
- A normal heart weighs 300 grams (range: 270 to 360 grams).
- atherosclerotic narrowing
- Atherosclerosis is the deposition of lipid into the intima of arteries, resulting in narrowing of the vessel lumen.
- occlusion
- An occlusion is a blockage.
- thrombus
- A thrombus is a solid mass resulting from the aggregation of blood constituents within the vascular system.
- palliative surgery
- Palliative surgery provides alleviation but is not curative.
- 15,256 cells/mm³
- A normal white blood cell count is 4000-11,000 cells/mm³.
- infiltrates
- infiltrate
- An infiltrate is an accumulation of cells in the lung parenchyma--this is a sign of pneumonia.
- consolidated
- Consolidation is the filling of lung air spaces with exudate--this is a sign of pneumonia.
- abscesses
- abscess
- An abscess is a collection of pus (white blood cells) within a cavity formed by disintegrated tissue.
- oral candidiasis
- Candidiasis is an infection by the fungus Candida in the oral cavity.
- hematuria
- Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine.
- pyuria
- Pyuria is the presence of white blood cells (pus) in the urine.
- septic
- Sepsis is the presence and persistence of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins in the blood.
- disseminated intravascular coagulation
- DIC is the development of small thrombi within the microcirculation throughout the body.
- acid fast bacilli
- Acid fast bacilli are not easily decolorized by acid during staining. This is characteristic of mycobacteria.
- 620 grams
- A normal left lung weighs 375 grams (range: 325 to 480 grams).
- 1230 grams
- A normal right lung weighs 450 grams (range: 360 to 570 grams.
- pulmonary congestion
- Pulmonary congestion is the engorgement of pulmonary vessels with blood. The increased pressure caused by this engorgement leads to transudation of fluid through the capillary walls and into the alveolar and interstitial spaces.
- pulmonary edema
- Pulmonary edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the pulmonary alveolar and tissue spaces as a result of changes in capillary permeability and/or increases in capillary hydrostatic pressure.
- disseminated tuberculosis
- miliary tuberculosis
- Disseminated tuberculosis refers to the hematogenous spread of tuberculous lesions throughout the body. It is also known as miliary tuberculosis (which is so-called because the lesions resemble millet).
- tuberculosis granulomas
- A tuberculosis granuloma is a focus of granulomatous inflammation caused by CHRONIC tuberculosis infection. The granuloma consists of epithelioid cells (activated macrophages) surrounded by lymphocytes, plasma cells, and fibroblasts.
- anthracotic pigment
- Anthracotic pigment is coal dust deposited in the lungs--it is seen in coal miners, city-dwellers, and smokers.
- caseous
- "Caseous" means "cheesy."
- prostatic carcinoma
- Prostatic carcinoma is a highly metastatic form of cancer.
- significant pain and discomfort
- Back pain resulting from vertebral metastases of prostatic carcinoma is not uncommonly the presenting symptom which leads to the discovery of the carcinoma. Pain occurs late in the metastatic process and is an indicator of a poor outlook for a patient.
- peripheral region of the prostate gland
- Most commonly, prostatic carcinoma arises in the peripheral region of the gland.
- corpora amylacea
- Corpora amylacea are small hyaline masses of degenerated cells and inspissated secretions. They are so named because they resemble (but are categorically not) amyloid deposits.
- exercise intolerance
- Exercise intolerance is the development of shortness of breath upon exertion.
- peripheral edema
- Peripheral edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular tissue spaces of the legs and ankles.
- the patient had marked peripheral edema
- Marked peripheral edema is usually a manifestation of heart failure -- especially of the right ventricle.
- shortness of breath
- Shortness of breath is a common clinical manifestation of heart failure.
- cardiac enlargement and pulmonary edema
- Pulmonary edema refers to the accumulation of abnormal amounts of fluid in the extravascular spaces of the lungs. There are many causes for pulmonary edema. However, it is common clinical manifestation of left ventricular heart failure. Pressures rise in the left atrium and ventricle to compensate for the failure and this causes increased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature. Incrased pulmonary capillary pressure relative to the plasma oncotic pressure cause fluid to leave the vessels and enter the interstitial spaces of the lung.
- pleural effusions
- Pleural effusion is the presence of fluid in the pleural space. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary vasculature, as seen in heart failure, is one cause of pleural effusion.
- 650 grams
- A normal heart weighs 300 grams (range: 270 to 360 grams).
- evidence of stenosis
- Aortic stenosis (calcification of the aortic valve) is the most common valve abnormality. Calcification of the valve leads to a reduced valve area. Increased pressure is thus needed from the left ventricle to pump blood into the aorta. Over time, the pressure-overloaded ventricle hypertrophies concentrically (increased ratio of wall thickness to cavity radius) in an attempt to reduce wall tension (review the Law of Laplace). Eventually, the left ventricle's contractile capacity is overwhelmed by the stiffness of the ventricle (due to hypertrophy) and pressure begins to increase through the left atrium and into the pulmonary vasculature. Increased pulmonary artery pressures then lead to right ventricular failure.
- insufficiency
- Aortic insufficiency refers to the inability of the aortic valve to close properly, thus allowing regurgitation of blood into the left ventricle during diastole -- i.e., volume overload. Disease of the aortic valve leaflets is a common cause of insufficiency.
- concentric hypertrophy
- Concentric hypertrophy is seen in pressure-overloaded hearts.
- (700 grams)
- A normal heart weighs 300 grams (range: 270 to 360 grams).
- 21,200 cells/mm³
- A normal white blood cell count is 4,000 to 11,000 cells per cubic mm.
- shift to the left
- A "shift to the left" indicates an increased ratio of immature PMNs ("bands") to mature PMNs ("segs").
- friable
- Friable material is easily crumbled.
- fecalith
- A fecalith is a hardened collection of fecal matter formed within the intestine.
- 22,700 cells/mm³
- A normal white blood cell count is 4,000 to 11,000 cells per cubic mm.
- nuchal rigidity
- Nuchal rigidity is stiffness of the neck, a common sign of meningeal irritation.
- elevated spinal fluid pressure
- CNS infections can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which, if severe, can cause death.
- 800 grams
- The normal weight of the right lung in an adult is 450 grams (range: 360 to 570 grams).
- icterus
- Hyperbilirubinemia making the patient appear yellow. Also called jaundice.
- 41,000 cells/cmm
- A normal white blood cell count is 4,000 to 11,000 cells per cubic mm.
- 630 grams
- A normal adult left lung weighs 375 grams (range: 325 to 480 grams). And a normal adult right lung weighs 450 grams (range: 360 to 570 grams).
- PPD test
- Mycobateria grow very slowly on culture plates, with cultures requiring up to 6 weeks for a positive finding. In lieu of cultures, a more rapid diagnostic test is the PPD--purified protein derivative of tuberculosis--test. PPD is injected under the skin of an individual and then the area is reexamined in 48-72 hours for signs of an inflammatory reaction. A positive test indicates previous exposure to M. tuberculosis.
- thoracotomy
- A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the chest wall.
- emboli
- Plural of embolus. An embolus is something that blocks the blood flow in a blood vessel. It may be a gas bubble, a blood clot, a fat globule, a mass of bacteria, or other foreign body. It usually forms somewhere else and travels through the circulatory system until it gets stuck.
- iliofemoral venous thrombosis
- Thrombosis occurring in the deep veins of the legs is a common sequela seen post-operatively.
- BUN
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is used as a measure of the glomerular filtration rate and is increased in renal failure.
- 112 mg/dL
- A normal BUN for this patient would be 10 to 20 mg/dL.
- pericardial friction rub
- A pericardial friction rub is the characteristic sign of pericarditis. It sounds like the rubbing together of two rough surfaces. The sound may vary over time and patient position.
- pericardiectomy
- A pericardiectomy is a surgical procedure in which the pericardial sac is opened, a piece is removed, and the sac is left open.
- hematemesis
- Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood.
- melena
- Melena is the passage of digested blood in the feces.
- colicky pain
- Colicky pain is an intermittent abdominal pain.
- bilious vomiting
- "Bilious vomitus" is vomitus which contains bile.
- upper GI series
- An upper GI series is a series of barium-aided radiographs involving the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
- dissecting aortic aneurysm
- A dissecting aortic aneurysm occurs when an intimal tear allows blood--under very high pressure--to enter the media and thus to separate the intima from the adventitia. The separation occurs longitudinally and amounts to the formation of a blood-filled canal parallel to the aortic lumen which may run the entire length of the aorta. The word "aneurysm" usually refers to an abnormal dilatation of a localized segment of artery. Since marked dilatation of the aorta is not a prominent feature of a dissecting lesion, "aortic dissection" is now the preferred term.
- mechanical prosthetic valve
- Prosthetic heart valves are a common source of emboli (blood clots) which may lodge in arteries of the brain and lead to infarction.
- cerebrovascular accident
- A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is known as a "stroke" in layman's terms. The most common cause of CVAs, by far, is a brain infarction resulting from reduced blood flow secondary to a thrombotic embolus (blood clot).
- obtundation
- Obtunded patients will have mental blunting with mild to moderate reduction in alertness and a diminished sensation of pain.
- 760-gram
- A normal heart weighs 300 grams (range: 270 to 360 grams).
- 1250-gram brain
- A normal brain weighs 1400 grams (range: 1100 to 1700 grams).
- gemistocytic astrocytes
- Gemistocytic astrocytes (gemistocytes) comprise a form of activated astrocyte in which the cell body becomes round and swollen, the nucleus assumes an eccentric position, and the cytoplasm changes to an easily visible bright pink color.
- hemiparesis
- Slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body.
- angina
- Angina pectoris is "chest pain" produced by myocardial ischemia; it worsens upon exertion.
- arrhythmias
- Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) 60 IU/L.
- AST is a NON-SPECIFIC marker of myocardial infarction (i.e., it is also elevated in other conditions, such as liver disease and skeletal muscle injury). AST levels peak at 48--72 hours following the infarction. A normal AST level would be less than 37 IU/L.
- Total Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) 165 IU/L.
- An elevated total CPK (a collective measure of all CPK isoenzymes) is a NONSPECIFIC marker for myocardial infarction. However, an elevation in the level of CPK-MB isoenzyme is a more specific marker for myocardial infarction. The CPK-MM isoenzyme is specific for skeletal muscle. CPK levels begin to rise 4-8 hours following an infarction, usually peak within the first 24-48 hours, and then return to baseline within 3-4 days. A normal CPK level is 35 to 250 IU/L.
- Troponin I
- Troponin I is a muscle contractile protein that is increased in serum after myocardial necrosis; it is a sensitive and specific marker of acute MI, and better than CK-MB as a cardiac injury marker. Normally troponin I values are less than 10 µg/L but values can rise 5 to 50 times after an acute myocardial infarction.
- recanalized
- Recanalization is the process of the forming of channels through an organized thrombus so that blood flow is restored.
- mural thrombosis
- Mural thrombosis is the formation of multiple thrombi along an injured endocardial wall.
- pericarditis
- Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium - often with deposition of fibrin.
- 340-gram heart
- A normal heart weighs 300 grams (range: 270 to 360 grams).
- diaphoresis
- Diaphoresis is a profuse perspiration often seen during a myocardial infarction.
- premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
- Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a common cardiac arrhythmia. They are present even in healthy individuals, for whom no treatment is indicated. However, in patients with heart disease, PVCs can be significant indicators of disease processes. For example, increased numbers of PVCs are common following an acute myocardial infarction.
- oliguria
- Oliguria is the occurrence of decreased urine output.
Myocardial infarction is necrosis of myocardial tissue which occurs as a result of a deprivation of blood supply, and thus oxygen, to the heart tissue. Blockage of blood supply to the myocardium is caused by occlusion of a coronary artery.
Myocardial infarction is necrosis of myocardial tissue which occurs as a result of a deprivation of blood supply, and thus oxygen, to the heart tissue. Blockage of blood supply to the myocardium is caused by occlusion of a coronary artery.
An occlusion is a blockage.
Atherosclerosis is the deposition of lipid into the intima of arteries, resulting in narrowing of the vessel lumen.
A thrombus is a solid mass resulting from the aggregation of blood constituents within the vascular system.
Palliative surgery provides alleviation but is not curative.
A normal white blood cell count is 4000-11,000 cells/mm³.
An infiltrate is an accumulation of cells in the lung parenchyma--this is a sign of pneumonia.
An infiltrate is an accumulation of cells in the lung parenchyma--this is a sign of pneumonia.
In alcoholics, aspiration pneumonia is common--bacteria enter the lung via aspiration of gastric contents.
Consolidation is the filling of lung air spaces with exudate--this is a sign of pneumonia.
An abscess is a collection of pus (white blood cells) within a cavity formed by disintegrated tissue.
An abscess is a collection of pus (white blood cells) within a cavity formed by disintegrated tissue.
Candidiasis is an infection by the fungus Candida in the oral cavity.
Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine.
Pyuria is the presence of white blood cells (pus) in the urine.
Sepsis is the presence and persistence of pathogenic microorganisms and their toxins in the blood.
DIC is the development of small thrombi within the microcirculation throughout the body.
Acid fast bacilli are not easily decolorized by acid during staining. This is characteristic of mycobacteria.
A normal left lung weighs 375 grams (range: 325 to 480 grams).
A normal right lung weighs 450 grams (range: 360 to 570 grams.
Pulmonary congestion is the engorgement of pulmonary vessels with blood. The increased pressure caused by this engorgement leads to transudation of fluid through the capillary walls and into the alveolar and interstitial spaces.
Pulmonary edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the pulmonary alveolar and tissue spaces as a result of changes in capillary permeability and/or increases in capillary hydrostatic pressure.
Disseminated tuberculosis refers to the hematogenous spread of tuberculous lesions throughout the body. It is also known as miliary tuberculosis (which is so-called because the lesions resemble millet).
Disseminated tuberculosis refers to the hematogenous spread of tuberculous lesions throughout the body. It is also known as miliary tuberculosis (which is so-called because the lesions resemble millet).
A tuberculosis granuloma is a focus of granulomatous inflammation caused by CHRONIC tuberculosis infection. The granuloma consists of epithelioid cells (activated macrophages) surrounded by lymphocytes, plasma cells, and fibroblasts.
Anthracotic pigment is coal dust deposited in the lungs--it is seen in coal miners, city-dwellers, and smokers.
Caseous means cheesy.
Prostatic carcinoma is a highly metastatic form of cancer.
Back pain resulting from vertebral metastases of prostatic carcinoma is not uncommonly the presenting symptom which leads to the discovery of the carcinoma. Pain occurs late in the metastatic process and is an indicator of a poor outlook for a patient.
Most commonly, prostatic carcinoma arises in the peripheral region of the gland.
Corpora amylacea are small hyaline masses of degenerated cells and inspissated secretions. They are so named because they resemble (but are categorically not) amyloid deposits.
Exercise intolerance is the development of shortness of breath upon exertion.
Shortness of breath is a common clinical manifestation of heart failure.
Peripheral edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular tissue spaces of the legs and ankles.
Marked peripheral edema is usually a manifestation of heart failure -- especially of the right ventricle.
Pulmonary edema refers to the accumulation of abnormal amounts of fluid in the extravascular spaces of the lungs. There are many causes for pulmonary edema. However, it is common clinical manifestation of left ventricular heart failure. Pressures rise in the left atrium and ventricle to compensate for the failure and this causes increased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature. Incrased pulmonary capillary pressure relative to the plasma oncotic pressure cause fluid to leave the vessels and enter the interstitial spaces of the lung.
Pleural effusion is the presence of fluid in the pleural space. Increased hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary vasculature, as seen in heart failure, is one cause of pleural effusion.
A normal heart weighs 300 grams (range: 270 to 360 grams).
Aortic stenosis (calcification of the aortic valve) is the most common valve abnormality. Calcification of the valve leads to a reduced valve area. Increased pressure is thus needed from the left ventricle to pump blood into the aorta. Over time, the pressure-overloaded ventricle hypertrophies concentrically (increased ratio of wall thickness to cavity radius) in an attempt to reduce wall tension (review the Law of Laplace). Eventually, the left ventricle's contractile capacity is overwhelmed by the stiffness of the ventricle (due to hypertrophy) and pressure begins to increase through the left atrium and into the pulmonary vasculature. Increased pulmonary artery pressures then lead to right ventricular failure.
Aortic insufficiency refers to the inability of the aortic valve to close properly, thus allowing regurgitation of blood into the left ventricle during diastole -- i.e., volume overload. Disease of the aortic valve leaflets is a common cause of insufficiency.
Concentric hypertrophy is seen in pressure-overloaded hearts.
A normal heart weighs 300 grams (range: 270 to 360 grams).
A normal white blood cell count is 4,000 to 11,000 cells per cubic mm.
A shift to the left indicates an increased ratio of immature PMNs (bands) to mature PMNs (segs).
Friable material is easily crumbled.
A fecalith is a hardened collection of fecal matter formed within the intestine.
A normal white blood cell count is 4,000 to 11,000 cells per cubic mm.
Nuchal rigidity is stiffness of the neck, a common sign of meningeal irritation.
CNS infections can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which, if severe, can cause death.
The normal weight of the right lung in an adult is 450 grams (range: 360 to 570 grams).
Hyperbilirubinemia making the patient appear yellow. Also called jaundice.
Jaundice (or icterus) is a state of hyperbilirubinemia (increased bilirubin in the blood) in which bile pigment is deposited in the skin, mucous membranes, and scleras. This deposition of bile pigment results in a yellow appearance.
Jaundice (or icterus) is a state of hyperbilirubinemia (increased bilirubin in the blood) in which bile pigment is deposited in the skin, mucous membranes, and scleras. This deposition of bile pigment results in a yellow appearance.
A normal adult left lung weighs 375 grams (range: 325 to 480 grams). And a normal adult right lung weighs 450 grams (range: 360 to 570 grams).
Mycobateria grow very slowly on culture plates, with cultures requiring up to 6 weeks for a positive finding. In lieu of cultures, a more rapid diagnostic test is the PPD--purified protein derivative of tuberculosis--test. PPD is injected under the skin of an individual and then the area is reexamined in 48-72 hours for signs of an inflammatory reaction. A positive test indicates previous exposure to M. tuberculosis.
A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening is made in the chest wall.
Plural of embolus. An embolus is something that blocks the blood flow in a blood vessel. It may be a gas bubble, a blood clot, a fat globule, a mass of bacteria, or other foreign body. It usually forms somewhere else and travels through the circulatory system until it gets stuck.
Thrombosis occurring in the deep veins of the legs is a common sequela seen post-operatively.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is used as a measure of the glomerular filtration rate and is increased in renal failure.
Renal failure is the severe reduction of renal function and often leads to reduced urinary output.
A normal BUN for this patient would be 10 to 20 mg/dL.
A pericardial friction rub is the characteristic sign of pericarditis. It sounds like the rubbing together of two rough surfaces. The sound may vary over time and patient position.
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium - often with deposition of fibrin.
A pericardiectomy is a surgical procedure in which the pericardial sac is opened, a piece is removed, and the sac is left open.
Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood.
Melena is the passage of digested blood in the feces.
Colicky pain is an intermittent abdominal pain.
Bilious vomitus is vomitus which contains bile.
An upper GI series is a series of barium-aided radiographs involving the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
A dissecting aortic aneurysm occurs when an intimal tear allows blood--under very high pressure--to enter the media and thus to separate the intima from the adventitia. The separation occurs longitudinally and amounts to the formation of a blood-filled canal parallel to the aortic lumen which may run the entire length of the aorta. The word aneurysm usually refers to an abnormal dilatation of a localized segment of artery. Since marked dilatation of the aorta is not a prominent feature of a dissecting lesion, aortic dissection is now the preferred term.
Prosthetic heart valves are a common source of emboli (blood clots) which may lodge in arteries of the brain and lead to infarction.
A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is known as a stroke in layman's terms. The most common cause of CVAs, by far, is a brain infarction resulting from reduced blood flow secondary to a thrombotic embolus (blood clot).
Obtunded patients will have mental blunting with mild to moderate reduction in alertness and a diminished sensation of pain.
A normal heart weighs 300 grams (range: 270 to 360 grams).
A normal brain weighs 1400 grams (range: 1100 to 1700 grams).
Gemistocytic astrocytes (gemistocytes) comprise a form of activated astrocyte in which the cell body becomes round and swollen, the nucleus assumes an eccentric position, and the cytoplasm changes to an easily visible bright pink color.
Slight paralysis or weakness affecting one side of the body.
Angina pectoris is chest pain produced by myocardial ischemia, it worsens upon exertion.
Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms.
AST is a NON-SPECIFIC marker of myocardial infarction (i.e., it is also elevated in other conditions, such as liver disease and skeletal muscle injury). AST levels peak at 48--72 hours following the infarction. A normal AST level would be less than 37 IU/L.
An elevated total CPK (a collective measure of all CPK isoenzymes) is a NONSPECIFIC marker for myocardial infarction. However, an elevation in the level of CPK-MB isoenzyme is a more specific marker for myocardial infarction. The CPK-MM isoenzyme is specific for skeletal muscle. CPK levels begin to rise 4-8 hours following an infarction, usually peak within the first 24-48 hours, and then return to baseline within 3-4 days. A normal CPK level is 35 to 250 IU/L.
Troponin I is a muscle contractile protein that is increased in serum after myocardial necrosis, it is a sensitive and specific marker of acute MI, and better than CK-MB as a cardiac injury marker. Normally troponin I values are less than 10 µg/L but values can rise 5 to 50 times after an acute myocardial infarction.
Recanalization is the process of the forming of channels through an organized thrombus so that blood flow is restored.
Mural thrombosis is the formation of multiple thrombi along an injured endocardial wall.
A normal heart weighs 300 grams (range: 270 to 360 grams).
Diaphoresis is a profuse perspiration often seen during a myocardial infarction.
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a common cardiac arrhythmia. They are present even in healthy individuals, for whom no treatment is indicated. However, in patients with heart disease, PVCs can be significant indicators of disease processes. For example, increased numbers of PVCs are common following an acute myocardial infarction.
Oliguria is the occurrence of decreased urine output.
