Endo Health Dictionary

The presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterus. The endometrium is the mucus membrane inner lining of the uterus, with glandular cells and structural cells, both responding to estrogen by increasing in size (the proliferative phase), the first responding to progesterone (the secretory phase); if there is endometrial tissue outside of the uterus, the tissue expands and shrinks in response to the estrus cycle, but the normal shedding of the menstrual phase can be difficult. The most common type of endometriosis is found in the fallopian tubes; the abnormal fallopian endometrial tissue can shed and drain into the uterus, but it hurts! It’s funny, but little tiny ducts, like the ureters, bile ducts, and fallopian tubes really cramp. The colon and uterus are big muscular tubes and, when cramped up, cause rather strong pain. When one of those little bitty things gets tenesmus, your face gets white (or light tan), you start to sweat, shiver, and revert to a fetal position. Endometriosis that occurs around the ovaries or inside the belly and therefore can NEVER drain is a purely physical and medical condition, but fallopian presence of endometrium usually reaches its peak in the early thirties. It can be helped by ensuring a strong estrogen and progesterone balance, thereby decreasing the tendency to form clots in the tubes, and to experience severe cramps every month... endometriosis

In?ammation of the lining, valves and muscle of the HEART. The main causes are bacterial and virus infections and rheumatic fever, and the condition occurs most often in patients whose ENDOCARDIUM is already damaged by congenital deformities or whose immune system has been suppressed by drugs. Infection may be introduced into the bloodstream during dental treatment or surgical procedures, especially on the heart or on the gastrointestinal system. The condition is potentially very serious and treatment is with large doses of antibiotic drugs. (See HEART, DISEASES OF.)... endocarditis

From within the body, either a native function or the product of the extended colony...normal flora in the colon are considered endogenous.... endogenous

In?ammation of the mucous membrane lining the womb. (See UTERUS, DISEASES OF.)... endometritis

Toxin released when certain bacterial species (especially the Gram negative rods) die. Symptoms not specific to the bacterial specie s (eg endotoxic shock in Gram negative rod septicaemias).... endotoxin

The study of the endocrine system, the substances (hormones) it secretes and its disorders (see ENDOCRINE GLANDS.)... endocrinology

The inner tissues of an organism.... endoderm

The mucous membrane which lines the interior of the UTERUS.... endometrium

Peptides (see PEPTIDE) produced in the brain which have a pain-relieving action; hence their alternative name of opiate peptides. Their name is derived from endogenous MORPHINE. They have been de?ned as endogenous opiates or any naturally occurring substances in the brain with pharmacological actions resembling opiate alkaloids such as morphine. There is some evidence that the pain-relieving action of ACUPUNCTURE may be due to the release of these opiate peptides. It has also been suggested that they may have an antipsychotic action and therefore be of value in the treatment of major psychotic illnesses such as SCHIZOPHRENIA.... endorphins

A tube-shaped instrument inserted into a cavity in the body to investigate and treat disorders. It is ?exible and equipped with lenses and a light source. Examples of endoscopes are the CYSTOSCOPE for use in the bladder, the GASTROSCOPE for examining the stomach and the ARTHROSCOPE for looking into joints (see also FIBREOPTIC ENDOSCOPY).... endoscope

The membrane lining various vessels and cavities of the body, such as the pleura (lining the lung), the pericardium (lining the heart), the peritoneum (lining the abdomen and abdominal organs), the lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, and joints. It consists of a ?brous layer covered with thin ?at cells, which render the surface perfectly smooth and secrete the ?uid for its lubrication.... endothelium

A thin membrane consisting of ?at endothelial cells; it lines the four chambers of the HEART and is continuous with the lining of arteries and veins. The endocardium has a smooth surface which helps the blood to ?ow easily. The valves at the openings of the heart’s chambers are made from folded-up membranes. In?ammation of the endocardium is called ENDOCARDITIS.... endocardium

Organs whose function it is to secrete into the blood or lymph, substances known as HORMONES. These play an important part in general changes to or the activities of other organs at a distance. Various diseases arise as the result of defects or excess in the internal secretions of the di?erent glands. The chief endocrine glands are:

Adrenal glands These two glands, also known as suprarenal glands, lie immediately above the kidneys. The central or medullary portion of the glands forms the secretions known as ADRENALINE (or epinephrine) and NORADRENALINE. Adrenaline acts upon structures innervated by sympathetic nerves. Brie?y, the blood vessels of the skin and of the abdominal viscera (except the intestines) are constricted, and at the same time the arteries of the muscles and the coronary arteries are dilated; systolic blood pressure rises; blood sugar increases; the metabolic rate rises; muscle fatigue is diminished. The super?cial or cortical part of the glands produces steroid-based substances such as aldosterone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, and deoxycortone acetate, for the maintenance of life. It is the absence of these substances, due to atrophy or destruction of the suprarenal cortex, that is responsible for the condition known as ADDISON’S DISEASE. (See CORTICOSTEROIDS.)

Ovaries and testicles The ovary (see OVARIES) secretes at least two hormones – known, respectively, as oestradiol (follicular hormone) and progesterone (corpus luteum hormone). Oestradiol develops (under the stimulus of the anterior pituitary lobe – see PITUITARY GLAND below, and under separate entry) each time an ovum in the ovary becomes mature, and causes extensive proliferation of the ENDOMETRIUM lining the UTERUS, a stage ending with shedding of the ovum about 14 days before the onset of MENSTRUATION. The corpus luteum, which then forms, secretes both progesterone and oestradiol. Progesterone brings about great activity of the glands in the endometrium. The uterus is now ready to receive the ovum if it is fertilised. If fertilisation does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, the hormones cease acting, and menstruation takes place.

The hormone secreted by the testicles (see TESTICLE) is known as TESTOSTERONE. It is responsible for the growth of the male secondary sex characteristics.

Pancreas This gland is situated in the upper part of the abdomen and, in addition to the digestive enzymes, it produces INSULIN within specialised cells (islets of Langerhans). This controls carbohydrate metabolism; faulty or absent insulin production causes DIABETES MELLITUS.

Parathyroid glands These are four minute glands lying at the side of, or behind, the thyroid (see below). They have a certain e?ect in controlling the absorption of calcium salts by the bones and other tissues. When their secretion is defective, TETANY occurs.

Pituitary gland This gland is attached to the base of the brain and rests in a hollow on the base of the skull. It is the most important of all endocrine glands and consists of two embryologically and functionally distinct lobes.

The function of the anterior lobe depends on the secretion by the HYPOTHALAMUS of certain ‘neuro-hormones’ which control the secretion of the pituitary trophic hormones. The hypothalamic centres involved in the control of speci?c pituitary hormones appear to be anatomically separate. Through the pituitary trophic hormones the activity of the thyroid, adrenal cortex and the sex glands is controlled. The anterior pituitary and the target glands are linked through a feedback control cycle. The liberation of trophic hormones is inhibited by a rising concentration of the circulating hormone of the target gland, and stimulated by a fall in its concentration. Six trophic (polypeptide) hormones are formed by the anterior pituitary. Growth hormone (GH) and prolactin are simple proteins formed in the acidophil cells. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) are glycoproteins formed in the basophil cells. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), although a polypeptide, is derived from basophil cells.

The posterior pituitary lobe, or neurohypophysis, is closely connected with the hypothalamus by the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tracts. It is concerned with the production or storage of OXYTOCIN and vasopressin (the antidiuretic hormone).

PITUITARY HORMONES Growth hormone, gonadotrophic hormone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone and thyrotrophic hormones can be assayed in blood or urine by radio-immunoassay techniques. Growth hormone extracted from human pituitary glands obtained at autopsy was available for clinical use until 1985, when it was withdrawn as it is believed to carry the virus responsible for CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE (COD). However, growth hormone produced by DNA recombinant techniques is now available as somatropin. Synthetic growth hormone is used to treat de?ciency of the natural hormone in children and adults, TURNER’S SYNDROME and chronic renal insu?ciency in children.

Human pituitary gonadotrophins are readily obtained from post-menopausal urine. Commercial extracts from this source are available and are e?ective for treatment of infertility due to gonadotrophin insu?ciency.

The adrenocorticotrophic hormone is extracted from animal pituitary glands and has been available therapeutically for many years. It is used as a test of adrenal function, and, under certain circumstances, in conditions for which corticosteroid therapy is indicated (see CORTICOSTEROIDS). The pharmacologically active polypeptide of ACTH has been synthesised and is called tetracosactrin. Thyrotrophic hormone is also available but it has no therapeutic application.

HYPOTHALAMIC RELEASING HORMONES which affect the release of each of the six anterior pituitary hormones have been identi?ed. Their blood levels are only one-thousandth of those of the pituitary trophic hormones. The release of thyrotrophin, adrenocorticotrophin, growth hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone is stimulated, while release of prolactin is inhibited. The structure of the releasing hormones for TSH, FSH-LH, GH and, most recently, ACTH is known and they have all been synthesised. Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) is used as a diagnostic test of thyroid function but it has no therapeutic application. FSH-LH-releasing hormone provides a useful diagnostic test of gonadotrophin reserve in patients with pituitary disease, and is now used in the treatment of infertility and AMENORRHOEA in patients with functional hypothalamic disturbance. As this is the most common variety of secondary amenorrhoea, the potential use is great. Most cases of congenital de?ciency of GH, FSH, LH and ACTH are due to defects in the hypothalamic production of releasing hormone and are not a primary pituitary defect, so that the therapeutic implication of this synthesised group of releasing hormones is considerable.

GALACTORRHOEA is frequently due to a microadenoma (see ADENOMA) of the pituitary. DOPAMINE is the prolactin-release inhibiting hormone. Its duration of action is short so its therapeutic value is limited. However, BROMOCRIPTINE is a dopamine agonist with a more prolonged action and is e?ective treatment for galactorrhoea.

Thyroid gland The functions of the thyroid gland are controlled by the pituitary gland (see above) and the hypothalamus, situated in the brain. The thyroid, situated in the front of the neck below the LARYNX, helps to regulate the body’s METABOLISM. It comprises two lobes each side of the TRACHEA joined by an isthmus. Two types of secretory cells in the gland – follicular cells (the majority) and parafollicular cells – secrete, respectively, the iodine-containing hormones THYROXINE (T4) and TRI-IODOTHYRONINE (T3), and the hormone CALCITONIN. T3 and T4 help control metabolism and calcitonin, in conjunction with parathyroid hormone (see above), regulates the body’s calcium balance. De?ciencies in thyroid function produce HYPOTHYROIDISM and, in children, retarded development. Excess thyroid activity causes thyrotoxicosis. (See THYROID GLAND, DISEASES OF.)... endocrine glands

The ?uid that ?lls the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear (see EAR).... endolymph

Examination of a body cavity – for example, PLEURAL CAVITY, GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT, BILE DUCT and URINARY BLADDER – using an ENDOSCOPE in order to diagnose or treat a disorder in the cavity. The development of endoscopy has reduced the need for major surgery, as many diagnostic procedures can be performed with an endoscope (as can MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY (MIS)). The development of ?bre optics (the transmission of light along bundles of glass or plastic ?bres) has greatly advanced the practice of endoscopy and hospitals now routinely run endoscopy clinics on an out-patient basis, often without the necessity for a general anaesthetic.... endoscopy

A gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream rather than through a duct. Examples include the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands. (See also exocrine gland.)... endocrine gland

The branch of dentistry concerned with the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and injury affecting the nerves and pulp in teeth and periapical tissues in the gum.

Common endodontic procedures are root-canal treatment and pulpotomy.... endodontics

A treatment for persistent menorrhagia (heavy menstrual blood loss) that involves endoscopic examination of the uterus (see endoscopy) and removal of the uterus lining, the endometrium, by diathermy or laser.... endometrial ablation

See uterus, cancer of.... endometrial cancer

A naturally occurring painkiller which is produced by the PITUITARY GLAND as part of a pro-hormone (pre-pro-opianomelanocortin). It is an agonist at opioid receptors, and its release is stimulated by pain and stress. (See ENDORPHINS.)... b endorphin

Bugleweed Tea  is an important ingredient in the field of modern alternative medicine because it proved its efficiency against thyroid problems, as well as breast pain. Bugleweed Tea description Bugleweed is a low-growing flowering plant from the mint family, native to Europe. It is also known as sweet bugle and it grows in marshlands. The bugleweed has oval-shaped leaves which resemble spinach leaves. Bugleweed flowers grow in clusters and have a pink to blue color. This plant has a fresh, mild, mint-like aroma. The leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. Bugleweed tea is the resulting beverage from brewing the abovementioned plant. Bugleweed Tea brewing To prepare Bugleweed tea:

• add one teaspoonful of dried bugleweed herbs to a cup of boiling water
• allow the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes

Bugleweed tea may be drunk three times a day. Also, it can be applied topically either as tincture or as poultice. Bugleweed Tea benefits Bugleweed tea has been successfully used to:

• treat hyperthyroidism
• alleviate cyclic breast pain in women by moderating estrogen levels
• sedate and calm the nerves
• suppress cough and fighting tuberculosis and other disorders of the lungs
• moderate a rapid heart rate
• remove excess fluid in the body and promote better circulation
• accelerate the healing of bruises and other wounds (when applied topically)

Bugleweed Tea side effects Bugleweed tea should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing women. Bugleweed tea is a herbal remedy for a large array of diseases, being best known for its healing properties against hyperthyroidism, breast pain and lungs disorders.... bugleweed tea for endocrine issues

Inward development from the germinal layer of a hydatid resulting in the formation of a daughter cyst or brood capsule.... endogenous budding

Preferring to feed indoors.... endophagic

Preferring to rest indoors.... endophilic

(Hebrew) From the fountain Endorah, Endoria, Endorea, Endor, Endore, Endoriah, Endoreah, Endorra, Endorrah... endora

This is a procedure in which a catheter (see CATHETERS) is passed via an ENDOSCOPE into the AMPULLA OF VATER of the common BILE DUCT. The duct is then injected with a radio-opaque material to show up the ducts radiologically. The technique is used to diagnose pancreatic disease as well as obstructive jaundice.... endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ercp)

an increase in the thickness of the cells of the *endometrium, usually due to prolonged exposure to unopposed oestrogen, which can be endogenous, as in anovular menstrual cycles; or exogenous, deriving, for example, from *hormone replacement therapy or an oestrogen-secreting tumour. It is classified as simple, complex, or atypical. Endometrial hyperplasia most commonly presents with abnormal uterine bleeding and accounts for 15% cases of postmenopausal bleeding. It may also be asymptomatic, and in some cases regresses spontaneously without ever being detected. The presence of atypical cells may lead to *endometrial cancer. Treatment can include progestogen therapy or surgery (see endometrial ablation); hysterectomy is advised when atypical changes are present.... endometrial hyperplasia

n. the fine connective tissue sheath that surrounds a single *muscle fibre.... endomysium

adj. within or through the nose: describing minimally invasive techniques that allow access through the nose to correct problems. Such procedures are performed by an ENT or ophthalmic surgeon or a neurosurgeon.... endonasal

n. the layer of fibrous tissue that separates individual fibres within a *nerve.... endoneurium

n. a parasite that lives inside its host, for example in the liver, lungs, gut, or other tissues of the body. Compare ectoparasite.... endoparasite

n. a digestive enzyme (e.g. *pepsin) that splits a whole protein into small peptide fractions by splitting the linkages between peptides in the interior of the molecule. Compare exopeptidase. See also peptidase.... endopeptidase

n. inflammation, usually due to infection, within the eye.... endophthalmitis

adj. describing growth inwards from an epithelial surface due to invasion of the surrounding tissues. Endophytic growth is characteristic of carcinomas. Compare exophytic.... endophytic

n. the inner cytoplasm of cells, which is less dense than the *ectoplasm and contains most of the cell’s structures. —endoplasmic adj.... endoplasm

(ER) a system of membranes present in the cytoplasm of cells. ER is described as rough when it has *ribosomes attached to its surface and smooth when ribosomes are absent. It is the site of manufacture of proteins and lipids and is concerned with the transport of these products within the cell (see also Golgi apparatus).... endoplasmic reticulum

n. a procedure for relieving obstruction of the junction between the kidney pelvis and ureter. An incision is made, via an endoscope, through the obstructed junction, using electrocautery, laser, or an endoscopic scalpel. Following this, *balloon dilation is usually performed and a *stent inserted.... endopyelotomy

(endomorphin) n. one of a group of chemical compounds, similar to the *encephalins, that occur naturally in the brain and have pain-relieving properties similar to those of the opiates. They are also responsible for sensations of pleasure. The endorphins are derived from a substance found in the pituitary gland known as beta-lipotrophin; they are thought to be concerned with controlling the activity of the endocrine glands.... endorphin

see ERCP.... endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

(ESS) surgery of the *paranasal sinuses using endoscopes. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) clears inflamed tissue from routes of sinus drainage and aeration to allow the other sinuses to return to normal.... endoscopic sinus surgery

n. the resting stage of certain bacteria, particularly species of the genera Bacillus and Clostridium. In adverse conditions the bacterium can become enclosed within a tough protective coat, allowing the cell to survive. On return of favourable conditions the spore changes back to the vegetative form.... endospore

n. a stapling instrument (see staple) used endoscopically for fixing tissues or joining them together.... endostapler

n. the membrane that lines the marrow cavity of a bone.... endosteum

n. any one of a class of peptide hormones, consisting of chains of 21 amino acids, that are synthesized by endothelial cells, often of large blood vessels. They are the most powerful known stimulants of smooth muscle (such as that in the walls of arteries) and are believed to be important causes of hypertension. The drug bosentan, which blocks receptors for endothelin-1, is administered by mouth for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.... endothelin

down the TRACHEA into the lungs, usually in the course of administering anaesthetics (see under ANAESTHESIA).

Eustachian catheters are small catheters that are passed along the ?oor of the nose into the Eustachian tube in order to in?ate the ear.

Nasal catheters are tubes passed through the nose into the stomach to feed a patient who cannot swallow – so-called nasal feeding.

Rectal catheters are passed into the RECTUM in order to introduce ?uid into the rectum.

Suprapubic catheters are passed into the bladder through an incision in the lower abdominal wall just above the pubis, either to allow urine to drain away from the bladder, or to wash out an infected bladder.

Ureteric catheters are small catheters that are passed up the ureter into the pelvis of the kidney, usually to determine the state of the kidney, either by obtaining a sample of urine direct from the kidney or to inject a radio-opaque substance preliminary to X-raying the kidney. (See PYELOGRAPHY.)

Urethral catheters are catheters that are passed along the urethra into the bladder, either to draw o? urine or to wash out the bladder.

It is these last three types of catheters that are most extensively used.... endotracheal catheters are used to pass

Insertion of a rubber or plastic tube through the nose or mouth into the TRACHEA. The tube often has a cu? at its lower end which, when in?ated, provides an airtight seal. This allows an anaesthetist to supply oxygen or anaesthetic gases to the lungs with the knowledge of exactly how much the patient is receiving. Endotracheal intubation is necessary to undertake arti?cial ventilation of a patient (see ANAESTHESIA).... endotracheal intubation

This consists of highly specialised cells scattered throughout the body, but found mainly in the SPLEEN, BONE MARROW, LIVER, and LYMPH nodes or glands. Their main function is the ingestion of red blood cells and the conversion of HAEMOGLOBIN to BILIRUBIN. They are also able to ingest bacteria and foreign colloidal particles.... reticulo-endothelial system

An operation, usually done under local anaesthetic, in which the lining membrane of the UTERUS (womb) is excised using a type of LASER or DIATHERMY surgery that utilises a hysterescope (a variety of ENDOSCOPE) through which the operator can visualise the inside of the uterus. The operation is done to treat MENORRHAGIA (heavy blood loss during MENSTRUATION) and its introduction has reduced the need to perform HYSTERECTOMY for the condition.... transcervical resection of endometrium (tcre)

The collection of glands around the body that produce hormones.

These glands include the thyroid gland, pancreas, testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands.

Their hormones are responsible for numerous bodily processes, including growth, metabolism, sexual development and function, and response to stress.

Any increase or decrease in the production of a specific hormone interferes with the process it controls.

To prevent under- or overproduction, hormone secretion from many endocrine glands is regulated by the pituitary gland, which is in turn influenced by the hypothalamus in the brain according to a feedback mechanism.... endocrine system

A visualising technique enabling the operator to examine the internal organs with the minimum of disturbance or damage to the tissues. The procedure has transformed the management of, for example, gastrointestinal disease. In chest disease, ?breoptic bronchoscopy has now replaced the rigid wide-bore metal tube which was previously used for examination of the tracheo-bronchial tree.

The principle of ?breoptics in medicine is that a light from a cold light source passes down a bundle of quartz ?bres in the endoscope to illuminate the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract or the bronchi. The re?ected light is returned to the observer’s eye via the image bundle which may contain up to 20,000 ?bres. The tip of the instrument can be angulated in both directions, and ?ngertip controls are provided for suction, air insu?ation and for water injection to clear the lens or the mucosa. The oesophagus, stomach and duodenum can be visualised; furthermore, visualisation of the pancreatic duct and direct endoscopic cannulation is now possible, as is visualisation of the bile duct. Fibreoptic colonoscopy can visualise the entire length of the colon and it is now possible to biopsy polyps or suspected carcinomas and to perform polypectomy.

The ?exible smaller ?breoptic bronchoscope has many advantages over the rigid tube, extending the range of view to all segmental bronchi and enabling biopsy of pulmonary parenchyma. Biopsy forceps can be directed well beyond the tip of the bronchoscope itself, and the more ?exible ?breoptic instrument causes less discomfort to the patient.

Fibreoptic laparoscopy is a valuable technique that allows the direct vizualisation of the abdominal contents: for example, the female pelvic organs, in order to detect the presence of suspected lesions (and, in certain cases, e?ect their subsequent removal); check on the development and position of the fetus; and test the patency of the Fallopian tubes.

(See also ENDOSCOPE; BRONCHOSCOPE; LARYNGOSCOPE; LAPAROSCOPE; COLONOSCOPE.)... fibreoptic endoscopy

A tube that is passed into the trachea through the nose or mouth that enables delivery of oxygen during artificial ventilation or of anaesthetic gases (see anaesthesia) during surgery. An inflatable cuff around the lower end of the endotracheal tube prevents secretions or stomach contents from entering the lungs.... endotracheal tube

see video capsule endoscopy.... capsule endoscopy

n. inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the cervix (neck) of the uterus, usually caused by infection. Surface cells (columnar epithelium) may die, resulting in a new growth of healthy epithelium over the affected area. The condition is accompanied by a thick mucoid discharge.... endocervicitis

n. the mucous membrane lining the cervix (neck) of the uterus, which (like the *endometrium) is covered with stratified columnar *epithelium.... endocervix

adj. within the material of a cartilage.... endochondral

a rare tumour of fetal remnants of the ovaries or testes. In women it is an aggressive malignant ovarian tumour that develops in adolescence and may secrete alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotrophin, which can be used as *tumour markers. It is treated by oophorectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy.... endodermal sinus tumour

a blind-ended duct that leads from the sacculus and joins a duct from the utriculus of the membranous *labyrinth of the ear.... endolymphatic duct

a dilatation at the end of the *endolymphatic duct that removes waste products from the inner ear.... endolymphatic sac

n. a complex *ovarian cyst, usually with ‘chocolate’ material (altered blood) inside and associated with *endometriosis. A history of cyclical enlargement of the nodule and painful periods is highly suggestive. There is a characteristic ground-glass appearance on transvaginal ultrasound and these cysts may be associated with a raised *CA125 level. Endometriomas are not amenable to medical therapy and should be surgically excised.... endometrioma

adj. describing a *body type that is relatively fat, with highly developed viscera and weak muscular and skeletal development. —endomorph n. —endomorphy n.... endomorphic

n. see endorphin.... endomorphin

n. an acute or chronic inflammatory disorder of the muscle and lining membrane of the heart. When the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium) is also involved the condition is termed pancarditis. The principal causes are rheumatic fever and virus infections. There is enlargement of the heart, murmurs, embolism, and frequently arrhythmias. The treatment is that of the cause and complications. See also endocarditis.

A chronic condition, endomyocardial fibrosis, is seen in Black Africans: the cause is unknown.... endomyocarditis

the fusion of endoscopy with ultrasonography. An ultrasound probe is incorporated into the endoscope in order to deliver highly detailed images from within the body. Endoscopic ultrasound is used predominantly by gastroenterologists, to assess internal structures or organs within the upper gastrointestinal tract, or by respiratory physicians in the assessment of bronchial disease. It may be used for diagnostic purposes, to accurately stage a confirmed diagnosis of cancer or to obtain tissue samples using fine-needle aspiration. Therapeutic indications include drainage of a pancreatic *pseudocyst, the common bile duct, or the pancreatic duct, and coeliac plexus neurolysis, a technique used to deliver pain relief in cases of intractable abdominal pain, usually resulting from chronic pancreatitis.... endoscopic ultrasound

n. any tumour arising from or resembling endothelium. It may arise from the linings of blood or lymph vessels (haemangioendothelioma and lymphangioendothelioma respectively); from the linings of the pleural cavity or the peritoneal cavity (see mesothelioma); or from the meninges (see meningioma).... endothelioma

adj. describing a chemical reaction associated with the absorption of heat. Compare exothermic.... endothermic

adj. within or through the trachea (windpipe). See intubation.... endotracheal

adj. within a blood vessel: describing procedures for imaging the circulation or for treating vascular disorders from within the circulation, including *angioplasty, the placement of *stents or coils in aneurysms (see endovascular aneurysm repair; coiling), and *embolization. Endovascular procedures are usually performed by an interventional radiologist or a vascular surgeon.... endovascular

(EVAR) a recently developed technique that involves the insertion of a covered metal *stent into an *aneurysm. The stent lines the aneurysm and thereby excludes it from the circulation, preventing further expansion and rupture. The delivery system containing the stents is introduced through the common femoral artery. *Fluoroscopy provides real-time imaging to guide placement of the stents and ensure they are in the correct anatomical position.... endovascular aneurysm repair

(EVLT) a minimally invasive procedure to treat *varicose veins. A laser fibre (usually an 810-nm *diode laser) contained within a sheath is fed into the vein by ultrasound guidance and slowly withdrawn as it is fired, thereby delivering laser energy that causes irreversible destruction and eventual ablation of the vein.... endovenous laser treatment

a hereditary condition in which the corneal endothelium loses its functional ability, usually with age. It may result in thickening and swelling of the cornea (*bullous keratopathy) and thus affect vision. Cornea guttata, small whitish deposits of hyalin, are seen on the inner surface of the cornea and signify a reduced number of endothelial cells. A corneal transplantation (see keratoplasty) may become necessary in certain cases. [E. Fuchs (1851–1913), German ophthalmologist]... fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy

(FESS) see endoscopic sinus surgery.... functional endoscopic sinus surgery

see endometrial ablation.... microwave endometrial ablation

(MEN) see MENS.... multiple endocrine neoplasia

(TEMS) a minimally invasive surgical procedure for rectal polyps not suitable for colonoscopic resection. For early rectal cancer it can be an alternative to lower anterior resection of the rectum. The procedure is performed through the anus and rectum using an *operating microscope and microsurgical instruments.... transanal endoscopic microsurgery

(TCRE) an operation, which is performed under local anaesthetic, in which the membrane lining the uterus (see endometrium) is cut away by a form of *electrosurgery using a *resectoscope, which is introduced through the cervix. Like *endometrial ablation, TCRE is used as an alternative to hysterectomy to treat abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding as it results in fewer complications and shorter stays in hospital.... transcervical resection of the endometrium

(VEGF) a *growth factor made by both normal cells and their abnormal or malignant counterparts to stimulate new blood vessel formation (see angiogenesis). It can be targeted by a family of drugs known as *angiogenesis inhibitors, which include *bevacizumab.... vascular endothelial growth factor

(VCE) an investigation for visualizing the intestinal lining (mucosa). A capsule containing a miniature digital video camera is swallowed by the patient and passively propelled through the intestine by peristalsis. The images are uploaded to a computer for subsequent analysis. Various capsules are available for investigation of oesophageal, small-intestinal, and colonic disorders. The commonest in use is the small-intestinal capsule, for investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, recurrent iron-deficiency anaemia, or in cases of suspected Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, or small-bowel tumours.... video capsule endoscopy

Amenorrhoea/lack of menstruation (M,B):

French basil, carrot seed, celery seed, cinnamon leaf, dill, sweet fennel, hops, hyssop, juniper, laurel, lovage, sweet marjoram, myrrh, parsley, rose (cabbage & damask), sage (clary & Spanish), tarragon, yarrow.

Dysmenorrhoea/cramp, painful or difficult menstruation (M,C,B):

Melissa, French basil, carrot seed, chamomile (German & Roman), cypress, frankincense, hops, jasmine, juniper, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), lovage, sweet marjoram, rose (cabbage & damask), rosemary, sage (clary & Spanish), tarragon, yarrow.

Cystitis (C,B,D):

Canadian balsam, copaiba balsam, bergamot, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian), celery seed, chamomile (German & Roman), cubebs, eucalyptus blue gum, frankincense, juniper, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), lovage, mastic, niaouli, parsley, Scotch pine, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, turpentine, yarrow.

Frigidity (M,S,B,V):

Cassie, cinnamon leaf, jasmine, neroli, nutmeg, parsley, patchouli, black pepper, cabbage rose, rosewood, clary sage, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

Lack of nursing milk (M):

Celery seed, dill, sweet fennel, hops.

Labour pain & childbirth aid (M,C,B):

Cinnamon leaf, jasmine, true lavender, nutmeg, parsley, rose (cabbage & damask), clary sage.

Leucorrhoea/white discharge from the vagina (B,D):

Bergamot, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian), cinnamon leaf, cubebs, eucalyptus blue gum, frankincense, hyssop, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), sweet marjoram, mastic, myrrh, rosemary, clary sage, sandalwood, tea tree, turpentine.

Menopausal problems (M,B,V):

Cypress, sweet fennel, geranium, jasmine, rose (cabbage & damask).

Menorrhagia/excessive menstruation (M,B):

Chamomile (German & Roman), cypress, rose (cabbage & damask).

Premenstrual tension/PMT (M,B,V):

Carrot seed, chamomile (German & Roman), geranium, true lavender, sweet marjoram, neroli, tarragon.

Pruritis/itching (D):

Bergamot, Atlas cedarwood, juniper, lavender, myrrh, tea tree.

Sexual overactivity (M,B):

Hops, sweet marjoram.

Thrush/candida (B,D):

Bergamot, geranium, myrrh, tea tree.

Urethritis (B,D):

Bergamot, cubebs, mastic, tea tree, turpentine.

Immune System

Chickenpox (C,S,B):

Bergamot, chamomile (German & Roman), eucalyptus (blue gum & lemon), true lavender, tea tree.

Colds/’flu (M,B,V,I):

Angelica, star anise, aniseed, copaiba balsam, Peru balsam, French basil, West Indian bay, bergamot, borneol, cabreuva, cajeput, camphor (white), caraway, cinnamon leaf, citronella, clove bud, coriander, eucalyptus (blue gum, lemon & peppermint), silver fir, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, immortelle, juniper, laurel, lemon, lime, sweet marjoram, mastic, mint (peppermint & spearmint), myrtle, niaouli, orange (bitter & sweet), pine (longleaf & Scotch), rosemary, rosewood, Spanish sage, hemlock spruce, tea tree, thyme, turpentine, yarrow.

Fever (C,B):

French basil, bergamot, borneol, camphor (white), eucalyptus (blue gum, lemon & peppermint), silver fir, ginger, immortelle, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, lime, mint (peppermint & spearmint), myrtle, niaouli, rosemary, rosewood, Spanish sage, hemlock spruce, tea tree, thyme, yarrow.

Measles (S,B,I,V):

Bergamot, eucalyptus blue gum, lavender (spike & true), tea tree.... genito-urinary and endocrine systems