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Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan)
Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) A non-invasive procedure that takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs, used to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray. The CT scan may indicate enlarged lymph nodes -- a possible sign of a spreading cancer or of an infection.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Brain
"That part of the central nervous system that is located within the cranium (skull). The brain functions as the primary receiver, organizer and distributor of information for the body. It has two (right and left) halves called ""hemispheres."" "
X-ray
Electromagnetic energy used to produce images of bones and internal organs onto film.
Lymph
Consists primarily of a clear, yellowish fluid and white blood cells. Found in the lymphatic system.
Sign
An objective manifestation of a pathological condition. Signs are observed by the examiner rather than reported by the affected individual.
Cancer
Any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division; it may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)
A chromosomal screening technique that permits the detection of quantitative changes in chromosomal copy number without the need for cell culturing. It provides a global overview of chromosomal gains and losses throughout the whole genome (including extra, missing, and broken chromosomes), but cannot detect small changes in DNA sequence or changes in the imprinting state of a gene.
Comparative study
One in which the investigative drug is compared against another product, either active drug or placebo.
Compartment syndrome
A condition in which there is swelling and an increase in pressure within a limited space (a compartment) that presses on and compromises blood vessels, nerves, and/or tendons that run through that compartment. Hence, the function of tissue within that compartment is compromised. Compartment syndromes usually involve the leg but can also occur in the forearm, arm, thigh, shoulder, and buttock. Some of the causes of increased pressure in compartment syndromes are trauma (for example, a fracture), too-tight wound dressings or casts, hemorrhage (bleeding) into the compartment, or inflammation (carpal tunnel syndrome, for example).
Compazine
Compazine is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prochlorperazine.
Compensation
A defense mechanism, operating unconsciously, by which one attempts to make up for real or fancied deficiencies. Also a conscious process in which one strives to make up for real or imagined defects of physique, performance skills, or psychological attributes. The two types frequently merge. See also overcompensation.
Complejo Hospitalario de Albacete
Complejo Hospitalario de Albacete is a hospital in Albacete, Spain.
Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo
Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo is a hospital in Toledo, Spain.
Complejo hospitalario Donostia
Complejo hospitalario Donostia is a hospital in San Sebastian, Basque Country (Spain).
Complejo Hospitalario Metropolitano Dr Arnulfo Arias Madrid de la Caja del Seguro Social
The Complejo Hospitalario Metropolitano Dr Arnulfo Arias Madrid de la Caja del Seguro Social is a hospital in Panama City, Panama Province, Panama.
Complejo Hospitalario San Millan-San Pedro
Complejo Hospitalario San Millan-San Pedro is a hospital in Logrono, Spain
Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago
Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago is a hospital in Santiago, Galicia (Spain).
Complement
A series of serum proteins involved in the mediation of immune reactions. The complement cascade is triggered classically by the interaction of antibody with specific antigen.
Complement components
An enzymatic system of serum proteins triggered by the classical and alternative pathways, and resulting in target cell lysis, phagocytosis, opsonization and chemotaxis.
Complement receptor
A structure found on erythrocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages that binds C3 fragments.
Complement system
A series of molecules that work together to perform many immune system functions. For example, the complement system helps to dissolve and remove immune complexes and to kill foreign cells.
Complementary DNA
Single-stranded DNA made in the laboratory from a messenger RNA template under the aegis of the enzyme reverse transcriptase. This form of DNA is often used as a probe in the physical mapping of a chromosome. Abbreviated as cDNA.
Complementary sequence
Nucleic acid sequence of bases that can form a double- stranded structure by matching base pairs. For example, the complementary sequence to C-A-T-G (where each letter stands for one of the bases in DNA) is G-T-A-C.
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome
A genetic disorder that makes XY fetuses insensitive (unresponsive) to androgens (male hormones). Instead, they are born looking externally like normal girls. Internally, there is a short blind-pouch vagina and no uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. There are testes in the abdomen or the inguinal canal. The complete androgen insensitivity syndrome is usually detected at puberty when a girl should but does not begin to menstruate. Many of the girls with the syndrome have no pubic or axillary (armpit) hair. They have luxuriant scalp hair without temporal (male-pattern) balding. They are sterile and cannot bear children. They are at high risk for osteoporosis and so should take estrogen replacement therapy.
Complete blood count
A set values of the cellular (formed elements) of blood. These measurements are generally determined by specially designed machines that analyze the different components of blood in less than a minute.
Complete Heart Block (heart block)
An arrhythmia. The electrical current is slowed between the atria and ventricles. In more severe cases, conduction is blocked completely and the atria and ventricles beat independently.
Complete hysterectomy
Complete surgical removal of the uterus and cervix.
Complete syndactyly
A condition in which singers or toes are completely joined together, with the connection extending from the base to the tip of the involved digits. Complete syndactyly is the opposite of partial syndactyly, in which the connection extends only part of the way up from the base of the involved digits.
Completely-in-the-canal hearing aid
The smallest and most discreet of the common styles of hearing instruments. Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are custom designed to fit entirely in the ear canal, improving sound quality and reducing feedback. CICs are appropriate for mild to moderate hearing losses and for sloping high-frequency hearing losses, but not for infants or young children.
Complex Carbohydrates
Starchy foods that are good sources of energy and nutrients, such as bread, rice, pasta and grains.
Complex cells
Cells in the primary visual cortex (V1) that responding either to an edge, a bar or a slit stimulus of a particular orientation falling anywhere in its receptive field. The exact location of the stimulus within the receptive field is not as critical. Have receptive fields longer than those of simple cells. The cell behaves non-linearly, responding to a drifting cosine grating with a uniform increase in activity with no sinusiodal modulcation (i.e. insensitive to phase). For a historical perspective see Simple Cells.
Complex partial seizure
A form of partial seizure during which the person loses awareness. The patient does not actually become unconscious, and he or she may carry out actions as complex as walking, talking, or driving. The patient may have physical, sensory, and thought disturbances. When the seizure ends, the patient has no memory of those actions.
Complexo Hospitalario de Ourense
Complexo Hospitalario de Ourense is a hospital in Ourense, Galicia (Spain).
Complexo Hospitalario Xeral-Calde
Complexo Hospitalario Xeral-Calde is a hospital in Lugo, Galicia (Spain).
Complexo Hospitalario Xeral-Cies
Complexo Hospitalario Xeral-Cies is a hospital in Vigo, Galicia (Spain).
Compliance (in relation to trial conduct)
Adherence to all the trial-related requirements, good clinical practice (GCP) requirements, and the applicable regulatory requirements.
Complicated grief
Grief that is complicated by adjustment disorders (especially depressed and anxious mood or disturbed emotions and behavior), major depression, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder are Complicated grief is identified by the extended length of time of the symptoms, the interference in normal function caused by the symptoms, or by the intensity of the symptoms (for example, intense suicidal thoughts or acts).
Complication
In medicine, an additional problem that arises following a procedure, treatment or illness and is secondary to it. A complication complicates the situation.
Complications of Diabetes
Harmful effects that may happen when a person has diabetes. Some effects, such as hypoglycemia, can happen any time. Others develop when a person has had diabetes for a long time. These include damage to the retina of the eye (retinopathy), the blood vessels (angiopathy), the nervous system (neuropathy), and the kidneys (nephropathy). Studies show that keeping blood glucose levels as close to the normal, nondiabetic range as possible may help prevent, slow, or delay harmful effects to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Complications, postoperative
Postoperative problems affecting patients after surgery. Postoperative complications may (or may not) be directly related to the disease for which the surgery was done or to the surgery itself.
Composite resin
Material composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles; usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst.
Compound 118
Trade name of the insecticide aldrin.
Compound 65
Compound 65 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): aspirin; caffeine; propoxyphene hydrochloride.
Compound fracture
A fracture in which the bone is sticking through the skin. Also called an open fracture.
Compound heterozygote
The presence of two different mutant alleles at a particular gene locus, one on each chromosome of a pair.
Compound microscope
A microscope which consists of two microscopes in series, the first serving as the ocular lens (close to the eye) and the second serving as the objective lens (close to the object to be viewed). The compound microscope has evolved into the dominant type of optical microscope today.
Comprehensive Pain Management
The Comprehensive Pain Management is a hospital in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, United States.
Compress
A dressing used to apply pressure or medicine to an area. Useful in applying heat or cold.
Compression
1. The act of pressing together. As in a compression fracture, nerve compression, or spinal cord compression. 2. To shorten in time. In embryology, there may be compression of development with some stages even omitted.
Compression fracture
A fracture caused by compression, the act of pressing together. Compression fractures of the vertebrae are especially common with osteoporosis.
Compro
Compro is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prochlorperazine.
Compulsion
Repetitive ritualistic behavior such as hand washing or ordering or a mental act such as praying or repeating words silently that aims to prevent or reduce distress or prevent some dreaded event or situation. The person feels driven to perform such actions in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly, even though the behaviors are recognized to be excessive or unreasonable.
Compulsive cruising
Constantly reiterated searching, which is never satisfied, for an idealized sexual partner or sexual experience.
Compulsive shopping
"An obsession with shopping that significantly interferes with the functioning of the individual. The signs are a preoccupation with shopping; anxiety when not shopping; a constant need for a shopping ""fix""; shopping to excess that results in debt and family or marital discord; and the frequent purchase of items that go unused. Although there is debate as to whether compulsive shopping is a mental disorder, there is evidence that use of an antidepressant medication tends to lessen anxiety and decrease or stop compulsive shopping."
Computed tomography
An x-ray procedure that uses the help of a computer to produce a detailed picture of a cross section of the body. Also called a CT scan or CAT scan.
Computer addiction
A disorder in which the individual turns to the Internet or plays computer games in an attempt to change moods, overcome anxiety, deal with depression, reduce isolation or loneliness, or distract themselves from overwhelming problems. The elderly, as well as children and adolescents, are particularly vulnerable because they may not realize the extent of their dependency. In many instances, individuals with computer addiction may seek help for another condition, such as depression, phobias or other addictions.
Computer Tomography Scan
A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
Computerized axial tomography (CAT)
Cat scanning adds X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views anatomy. It can identify normal and abnormal structures and be used to guide procedures. CAT scanning is painless. Iodine-containing contrast material is sometimes used in CAT scanning. If you are having a CAT scan and are allergic to iodine or contrast materials, you should notify your physicians and radiology staff.
Computerized axial tomography scan
Pictures of structures within the body created by a computer that takes the data from multiple X-ray images and turns them in pictures. The CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan can reveal some soft-tissue and other structures that cannot be seen in conventional X-rays. Using the same dosage of radiation as that of an ordinary X-ray machine, an entire slice of the body can be made visible with about 100 times more clarity with the CAT scan.
Computerized tomography
Pictures of structures within the body created by a computer that takes the data from multiple X-ray images and turns them in pictures.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Colostomy
An operation that makes it possible for stool to leave the body after the rectum has been removed. The surgeon makes an opening in the abdomen and attaches the colon to it. A temporary colostomy may be done to let the rectum heal from injury or other surgery.
Colostrum
Thin, white, first milk produced by the breasts during late pregnancy and for a few days after childbirth. It provides a nursing infant with essential nutrients and infection-fighting antibodies.
Colposcopy
Visual examination of the cervix and vagina using a lighted magnifying instrument (colposcope).
Common bile duct
The tube that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.
Common bile duct obstruction
A blockage of the common bile duct, often caused by gallstones.
Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan)
Cone biopsy
Surgical removal of a cone-shaped section of tissue from the cervix for the treatment of cervical dysplasia.
Congenital
Present at birth.
Congestive heart failure
A condition in which the heart cannot pump out all of the blood that enters it, which leads to an accumulation of blood in the vessels and fluid in the body tissues.
Contact dermatitis
A rash or an inflammation of the skin caused by contact with various substances.
Continence
The ability to hold in a bowel movement or urine.
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