Category: G

One of several measurements of the efficiency of respiration, especially of the extent of intrapulmonary shunting in respiratory failure. Among the commonly used gas exchange indices is the alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference (a measurement derived from an analysis of the oxygen tension of an arterial blood gas, compared with the atmospheric oxygen content). The process…

Involuntary passage of urine induced by laughter. The condition occurs commonly in young girls and women, but tends to improve in the second or third decade of life. It is distinct from stress urinary incontinence, a condition that usually begins after menopause.  

Radioisotopic imaging of the heart, especially of the muscular contraction of its walls and of its ejection fraction. Red blood cells are withdrawn and labeled with an isotope of technetium. A sequence of images is taken immediately after the radiolabeled blood is reinjected into a peripheral vein and allowed to circulate. The images are timed…

An obstruction of the small bowel, occurring typically but not exclusively in elderly female patients and caused by the trapping of a large gallstone at or near the ileocecal valve. Most gallstones responsible for ileus are greater than 2.5 cm in diameter. The blockage of the large intestine occurs when a gallstone obstructs the opening…

Excessive growth of the gums, sometimes associated with prolonged treatment with medications such as cyclosporine, nifedipine, or phenytoin. Thorough professional cleaning of the teeth, and/or electrosurgical, laser, or conventional surgical treatments can remove the excess tissue.  

Hypertension that resembles renal hypertension produced in experimental animals by decreasing the blood flow to the kidney.  

High blood pressure developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy; it often resolves after delivery. It may be mild, requiring no intervention other than careful monitoring to identify preeclampsia.  

A hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of growth hormone.  

A rare disease whose hallmark is the production of abnormal immunoglobulins (made of gamma heavy chains) by malignant B-lymphocytes. Clinical findings may include lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, arthritis, edema of the uvula, and infiltration of the skin and thyroid gland. Treatment includes therapy for the underlying disorders, including the particular type of lymphoma present.  

The visual perception of rainbow-like colors around lights, caused by glaucoma-induced corneal edema.