Disease and Disorder Terms

Flashcards covering various disease and disorder terms including their definitions and characteristics.

Addison disease

Chronic syndrome resulting from a deficiency in the hormonal secretion of the adrenal cortex, characterized by weakness, weight loss, hypotension, darkening of skin, and loss of appetite.

Congenital hypothyroidism

Condition caused by congenital absence or atrophy of the thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism, characterized by puffy features, mental deficiency, large tongue, and short stature.

Cushing syndrome

Group of signs and symptoms attributed to excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal cortices, causing signs like abnormally pigmented skin and a 'moon face'.

Diabetes insipidus (DI)

Result of decreased secretion of antidiuretic hormone by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, characterized by excessive thirst and large amounts of urine.

Diabetes mellitus (DM)

Chronic disease involving a carbohydrate metabolism disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar, potentially leading to complications like renal disease and neuropathy.

Gigantism

Condition due to hypersecretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland before puberty, leading to excessive growth.

Graves disease

Autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland characterized by hyperthyroidism, goiter, and exophthalmos.

Hashimoto thyroiditis

Disease in which thyroid gland cells are destroyed by autoimmune processes, leading to hypothyroidism and goiter.

Ketoacidosis

Serious condition from uncontrolled diabetes mellitus where acid ketones accumulate, can progress to coma if uncontrolled.

Metabolic syndrome

Group of signs including insulin resistance and obesity, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Myxedema

Severe form of hypothyroidism in adults characterized by extreme deficiency of thyroid hormone, leading to puffiness and thickened skin.

Neuroblastoma

Malignant cancer primarily affecting children, often starting in the adrenal medulla and composed of immature nerve cells.

Obesity

Condition characterized by excessive body fat, defined as a BMI greater than 30 kg/m².

Pheochromocytoma

Tumor of the adrenal medulla, often nonmalignant and characterized by hypertension and headaches.

Thyrotoxicosis

Condition caused by excessive thyroid hormones, leading to various systemic symptoms.

Exophthalmos

Abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, often seen in hyperthyroid conditions.

Goiter

Enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may result from autoimmune disease or iodine deficiency.

Tetany

Condition affecting nerves, causing muscle spasms due to low calcium levels in the blood.

Hormone

Chemical substance secreted by an endocrine gland that acts on target tissues.

Incretins

Hormones produced in the gastrointestinal system that stimulate insulin release from the pancreas.

Metabolism

Sum of all chemical processes in a living organism.

Fasting blood sugar (FBS)

Blood test measuring glucose levels after fasting for 8-10 hours; elevation may indicate diabetes mellitus.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA)

Biopsy technique using a small needle to obtain tissue samples for examination.

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)

Blood test to diagnose and monitor diabetes by measuring glucose bound to hemoglobin over three months.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone level (TSH)

Blood test measuring TSH levels to diagnose thyroid disorders.

Thyroxine level (T4)

Blood test measuring thyroxine levels, indicating hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU)

nuclear medicine scan that measures thyroid function, particularly when distinguishing different causes of hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine is given to the patient orally, after which the amount of its uptake into the thyroid gland is measured. Images of the gland can also be obtained using this procedure.

Sestamibi parathyroid scan

nuclear medicine procedure used to localize hyperactive parathyroid glands.The glands that take up an abnormal amount of radioactive substance are identified and selected for surgical removal; the other parathyroid glands may be left in place.

Thyroid sonography

ultrasound test of the thyroid gland used to help determine whether a thyroid nodule is likely benign or possibly malignant, including whether it is cystic or solid. Also used to help guide a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.