Diseases

  • Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

    An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a device that detects any life-threatening, rapid heartbeat. If such a heartbeat, called an arrhythmia, occurs, the ICD quickly sends an electrical shock to the heart to change the rhythm back to normal. This is called defibrillation. Alternative Names ICD; Defibrillation Description An ICD is made of these parts: The pulse generator is about the size of a large cookie. It contains a battery and the electrical circuits that read the electrical activity of your heart. The electrodes are wires, also called leads, that go through your veins to your heart. They connect your heart to the rest of the device. Your ICD may have 1, 2, or 3 electrodes….

  • Colostomy

    Colostomy is a surgical procedure that brings the end of the large intestine through the abdominal wall. Stools moving through the intestine drain into a bag attached to the abdomen. Alternative Names Intestinal opening Description The procedure is usually done after bowel resections or injuries and it may be temporary or permanent. Colostomy is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). It may be done with invasive, open surgery or several small surgical cuts (laparoscopically). The type of approach used depends on what othe operation needs to be performed. In general, the incision (cut) is made in the abdomen. The bowel resection or repair is performed as needed. See also: Large bowel…

  • Cortisol level

    A cortisol level is a blood test that measures the amount of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Alternative Names Serum cortisol How the test is performed Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your…

  • Chronic granulomatous disease

    Chronic granulomatous disease is an inherited disorder in which immune system cells called phagocytes do not function properly. This leads to ongoing infection. Alternative Names CGD; Fatal granulomatosis of childhood; Chronic granulomatous disease of childhood; Progressive septic granulomatosis Causes In chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), phagocytic cells are unable to kill certain bacteria and fungi. This leads to long term (chronic) and repeated (recurrent) infections. The condition is often discovered in very early childhood. Milder forms may appear during the teen years or even in adulthood. Impetigo, skin abscesses and furuncles, and perianal and rectal abscesses are common in people with this disorder. Pneumonia that keeps coming back, and is caused by bacteria not typical of…

  • Volvulus – childhood

    A volvulus is a twisting of the intestine that can occur in childhood. It causes a blockage, and may cut off blood flow and damage part of the intestine. Alternative Names Childhood volvulus Causes A birth defect called intestinal malrotation can make infants more likely to develop a volvulus. However, a volvulus can occur without malrotation. Volvulus due to malrotation often occurs early in life, usually in the first year. Symptoms Bloody or dark red stools Constipation or difficulty releasing stools Distended abdomen Pain or tenderness in the abdomen Nausea or vomiting Shock Vomiting green material Symptoms are usually severe enough that infants are taken early to the emergency room, which can be critical for…

Illustrations

Urine specific gravity Illustrations

Disease Illustrations Urine specific gravity is a laboratory test that measures the concentration of all chemical particles in the urine.See also: Urine concentration test Urine osmolality Urinalysis Back to Urine specific gravity

Urethritis Illustrations

Disease Illustrations Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra from any cause. Back to Urethritis

Tricuspid regurgitation Illustrations

Disease Illustrations Tricuspid regurgitation is a disorder in which the heart’s tricuspid valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward (leak) into the right upper heart chamber (atrium) when the right lower heart chamber (ventricle) contracts. Back to Tricuspid regurgitation

Urine concentration test Illustrations

Disease Illustrations A urine concentration test measures the ability of the kidneys to conserve or excrete water appropriately.See also: Urine osmolality test Urine specific gravity Back to Urine concentration test

Urethritis – chronic Illustrations

Disease Illustrations Chronic urethritis is long-term swelling and irritation (inflammation) of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the body. This inflammation continues for weeks to months. Back to Urethritis – chronic

Urine 24-hour volume Illustrations

Disease Illustrations The urine 24-hour volume test measures the amount of urine produced in a day. Back to Urine 24-hour volume

Illustration

Dumping syndrome

Dumping syndrome occurs when the contents of the stomach empty tooquickly into the small intestine. The partially digested food drawsexcess fluid into the small intestine causing nausea, cramping,diarrhea, sweating, faintness, and palpitations. Dumping usually occursafter the consumption of too much simple or refined sugar in people whohave had surgery to modify or remove all or part of the stomach.

Sulfonylureas drug

Oral sulfonylureas (like glimepiride, glyburide, and tolazamide)trigger the pancreas to make more insulin.

Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones (such as rosiglitazone) help insulin work better atthe cell site. In essence, they increase the cell's sensitivity(responsiveness) to insulin.

Nit on human hair

This photograph shows a "nit" or tiny white egg sack attached to theshaft of a human hair. (Image courtesy of D. Scott Smith, MD, MSc,DTM&H)

Diabetic emergency supplies

An individual with diabetes should wear or carry I.D. information (suchas an alert bracelet) that emergency medical staff can find. A sugarsource, such as glucose tablets or raisins should be carried in caseblood sugar levels become too low.