Aarskog syndrome 03/13/2006
Aarskog syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by short stature , facial abnormalities, musculoskeletal, and genital anomalies.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Aarskog syndrome is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder (although some studies show it could�possibly be an X-linked dominant disorder), therefore,�mainly males are affected, although females may have a milder manifestation of some of the features. It is caused by mutations in a gene called "faciogenital displasia" ( FGDY1) found on the X chromosome.
Aase syndrome 04/20/2005
Aase syndrome is a rare, inherited disorder characterized by anemia with some joint and skeletal deformities.
Alternative Names: Aase-Smith syndrome
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Aase syndrome is thought to be an autosomal dominant inherited disorder. The genetic basis of the disease is not known. The anemia is caused by underdevelopment of the bone marrow, which is where blood cells are formed.
Symptoms: Mildly slowed growth Pale skin Delayed closure of fontanelles (soft spots) Narrow shoulders Triple-jointed thumbs, absent or small knuckles, decreased skin creases at finger joints Inability to fully extend the joints from birth (congenital contractures) Cleft palate Deformed ears Droopy eye lids
Signs and tests: A CBC (complete blood count) will show anemia and a decrease in the white blood cell count .
Abdomen - swollen 11/10/2004
A swollen abdomen is marked by increased abdominal girth .
Alternative Names: Swollen belly; Swelling in the abdomen; Abdominal distention; Distended abdomen
Considerations: Abdominal distention is a common condition, which usually results from over-eating, rather than from a serious illness. Simple weight gain , premenstrual syndrome (PMS) , pregnancy, or the unconscious swallowing of air can also cause distention. Abdominal distention is often caused by intestinal gas.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm 12/22/2004
An aneurysm is when a blood vessel becomes abnormally large or balloons outward. The abdominal aorta is a large blood vessel that supplies blood to�your abdomen, the pelvis, and legs.
Alternative Names: Aneurysm - aortic
Causes, incidence, and risk factors: The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include high blood pressure , smoking, high cholesterol, and obesity. An abdominal aortic aneurysm can develop in anyone, but it is most frequently seen in people over 50 with one or more risk factors.
Abdominal bloating 11/10/2004
Abdominal bloating is when the abdomen feels full and tight. It is usually caused by intestinal gas.
Alternative Names: Bloating
Considerations:
Common Causes: Overeating Lactose intolerance and other food intolerances Air swallowing (a nervous habit) Irritable bowel syndrome Partial bowel obstruction Constipation Important but uncommon causes of abdominal bloating include ascites and tumors, such as those arising from ovarian cancer .
Abdominal CT scan 01/24/2005
An abdominal CT scan involves X-ray images of the abdomen from many angles. The X-ray beams are detected by the scanner and analyzed by a computer. The computer reconstructs the data into a picture of the body area being scanned. These images can be viewed on a monitor or reproduced as photographs.
How the test is performed: The CT scanner is a free-standing machine with a large hole in the center. The patient lies on a narrow table that slides into the hole.
Abdominal distress 10/31/2005
Abdominal distress is any pain or discomfort in the abdomen. The abdominal area is the area between your chest and groin, often referred to as the stomach region or belly. See abdominal pain , abdominal bloating , and excessive gas .
Information: Diseases or problems with any of the organs inside the abdominal cavity can lead to pain as well as other symptoms like�a change in bowel habits, nausea, or vomiting. The pain may be chronic (ongoing) or acute (sudden), crampy or sharp, and associated with abdominal rigidity (board-like stiffness).
Abdominal exploration 10/22/2004
Abdominal exploration is a surgical procedure that opens the abdomen (laparotomy) and explores it for problems. During a laparotomy, treatment of problems may also be administered.
Alternative Names: Laparotomy; Exploratory laparotomy
Description: The abdomen contains many vital organs: Stomach Small intestine (jejunum and ileum) Large intestine (colon) Liver Spleen Gallbladder Pancreas Uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries (in women) Kidneys, ureters, and bladder Some problems inside the abdomen can be easily diagnosed with noninvasive tests such as x-rays and CT scans , but many problems require surgery to explore the abdomen to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Abdominal film 05/17/2005
Abdominal films are x-ray images of the abdomen.
Alternative Names: Abdominal x-ray; X-ray - abdomen; Flat plate; KUB
How the test is performed: The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist. You lie on your back on the x-ray table. The x-ray machine is positioned over your abdominal area. You hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the picture will not be blurry. You may be asked to change position to the side or to stand up for additional pictures.
Abdominal fullness prematurely after meals 01/23/2006
Satiety is the satisfied feeling of being full after eating. Early satiety is feeling full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual.
Alternative Names: Early satiety
Considerations: Early satiety can occur from numerous causes.
Common Causes: Delayed stomach emptying Gastric outlet obstruction Decreased stomach distensibility Irritable bowel syndrome Dyspepsia
Home Care: Follow your health care provider's recommendations.
