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Elliptocytosis
Elliptocytosis Hematologic disorder characterized by elliptically shaped red blood cells (elliptocytosis) with variable breakup of red cells (hemolysis) and varying degrees of anemia. Inherited as a dominant trait. Due to mutation (change) in one of the genes encoding proteins of the red cell membrane skeleton.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which a deficiency in the size or number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) or the amount of hemoglobin they contain limits the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the tissue cells. Most anemias are caused by a lack of nutrients required for normal erythrocyte synthesis, principally iron, vitamin B-12, and folic acid. Others result from a variety of conditions, such as hemorrhage, genetic abnormalities, chronic disease states or drug toxicity.
Dominant
A genetic trait is considered dominant if it is expressed in a person who has only one copy of that gene. (In genetic terms, a dominant trait is one that is phenotypically expressed in heterozygotes). A dominant trait is opposed to a recessive trait which is expressed only when two copies of the gene are present. (In genetic terms, a recessive trait is one that is phenotypically expressed only in homozygotes).
Mutation
A change in DNA that alters a gene and thus the gene's product, leading in some cases to deformity or disease. Mutations can occur spontaneously during cell division or can be triggered by environmental stresses, such as sunlight, radiation, and chemicals.
Genes
Basic, functional units of heredity, each occupying a specific place on a chromosome.
Cell
Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material (DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
Membrane
A flexible layer surrounding a cell, organelle (such as the nucleus), or other bodily structure. The movement of molecules across a membrane is strictly regulated in both directions.
Skeleton
The skeleton or skeletal system is the biological system providing support in living organisms.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Elliot Hospital
Elliot Hospital is a hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire (USA).
Elliotts b solution
Elliotts b solution 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): calcium chloride; dextrose; magnesium sulfate; potassium chloride; sodium bicarbonate; sodium chloride; sodium phosphate, dibasic, heptahydrate.
Ellis Fischel Cancer Center
The Ellis Fischel Cancer Center is a hospital in Columbia, Missouri, United States.
Ellis Hospital
Ellis Hospital is a hospital in Schenectady, New York (USA).
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Electrophysiologic study of the heart
A test of the electrical conduction system of the heart (the system that generates the heart beat).
Electroretinography
Abbreviated ERG. A test in which the electrical potentials generated by the retina of the eye are measured when the retina is stimulated by light. In an ERG, an electrode is placed on the cornea at the front of the eye. The electrode measures the electrical response of the rods and cones, the visual cells in the retina at the back of the eye. An ERG may be useful in the evaluation of hereditary and acquired disorders of the retina. A normal ERG shows the appropriate responses with increased light intensity. An abnormal ERG is found in conditions such as arteriosclerosis of the retina, detachment of the retina, and temporal arteritis with eye involvement. The instrument used to do electroretinography is an electroretinograph and the resultant recording is called an electroretinogram.
Electrosurgery
Instead of using a scalpel, the surgeon utilizes a heat-generating electrical device to burn or vaporize tissue in order to remove it and minimize and halt bleeding.
Elevated hemidiaphragm
Elevation of half of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and that serves as the main muscle of respiration. The elevation of a hemidiaphragm is a significant sign of a problem.
Eleventh cranial nerve
The eleventh cranial nerve is the accessory nerve. The twelve cranial nerves, the accessory nerve included, emerge from or enter the skull (the cranium) as opposed to the spinal nerves which emerge from the vertebral column. The accessory is so-called because, although it arises in the brain, it receives an additional (accessory) root from the upper part of the spinal cord.
Elliptocytosis
EM (electron microscope)
A microscope in which an electron beam replaces light to form the image. EM stands for electron microscope (the device) and for electron microscopy (the technique and field).
Emboli
Something that travels through the bloodstream, lodges in a blood vessel and blocks it. Examples of emboli are a detached blood clot, a clump of bacteria, and foreign material such as air. Pulmonary emboli are blood clots that have been carried through the blood into the pulmonary artery (the main blood vessel from the heart to the lung) or one of its branches, plugging that vessel.
Embolism, paradoxical
Passage of a clot (thrombus) from a vein to an artery. When clots in veins break off (embolize) , they travel first to the right side of the heart and, normally, then to the lungs where they lodge. The lungs act as a filter to prevent the clots from entering the arterial circulation. However, when there is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart (an atrial septal defect), a clot can cross from the right to the left side of the heart, then pass into the arteries as a paradoxical embolism. Once in the arterial circulation, a clot can travel to the brain, block a vessel there, and cause a stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Because of the risk of stroke from paradoxical embolism, it is usually recommended that even small atrial septal defects be repaired. Also called crossed embolism.
Embolism, pulmonary
The obstruction of the pulmonary artery or a branch of it leading to the lungs by a blood clot, usually from the leg, or foreign material causing sudden closure of the vessel. (Embolus is from the Greek "embolos" meaning plug.) The risk factors for pulmonary embolism include advanced age, cancer, genetic predisposition, immobilization (especially in the hospital), pelvic or leg trauma, pregnancy, and surgery. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism can be difficult because the symptoms are nonspecific and may mimic many other diseases. Pulmonary angiography is the gold standard test. Other tests may include oximetry and arterial blood gas analysis and imaging such as chest x-rays and ultrasonography. The treatment includes anticoagulants such as heparin and warfarin (Coumadin). About 10- 15% of patients with pulmonary embolism die.
Embolization
A treatment that clogs small blood vessels and blocks the flow of blood, such as to a tumor.
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