Category: A

The impaired mental or physical functioning that comes from the consumption of alcohol; also known as inebriation or drunkenness. Alcohol (known medically as ethanol, or EtOH) is a central nervous system depressant drug, one that slows the activity of the central nervous system, particularly the brain. Alcohol requires no digestion and is absorbed directly into…

Cancers associated with aids (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Although AIDS itself is not a cancer, it has been associated with several different cancers, including Kaposi sarcoma, a form of skin cancer. Kaposi sarcoma is triggered by a virus called Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Other AIDS-related cancers include cancer of…

Alpha-fetoprotein test. A measurement of the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in a pregnant woman’s blood; it reflects the amount of AFP produced by a developing fetus. The test is used to detect birth defects. A high level of AFP in a woman’s blood sometimes indicates that the fetus has a neural tube defect, a birth…

A sudden, potentially fatal condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce and release a sufficient amount of cortisol; also known as adrenal crisis, addisonian crisis, or acute adrenal insufficiency. Cortisol is a hormone that enables the body to use nutrients, cope with stress, and regulate the immune system. Symptoms include headache, profound…

Adrenal cortical adenomas are located on the adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal glands). These tumors are usually benign, tend to affect women more than men, and are more common in people older than 40 years. Adrenal tumors can result in Cushing syndrome or high blood pressure and low potassium levels.  

A rare hormonal disorder that is caused by an inadequate production of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands; also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, hypoadrenocorticism, and hypocorticalism. Addison disease is usually the result of an autoimmune disorder. Less frequently, Addison disease can be caused by tuberculosis, fungal infections, the spread of cancer cells…

A scan of the kidneys for size,. shape, and exact location, to diagnose a tumor or other abnormalities; done after intravenous injection of a radioactive substance.  

Microorganisms that retain the violet dye used in the Gram stain method and do not accept the counterstain.  

Bleeding somewhere in the stomach and/or intestines.  

A radiographic examination of the azygos vein system (posterior chest) after injection of contrast medium. Radiography of the azygos veins by the use of an intravenous contrast medium.