Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy Health Dictionary

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Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy: From 1 Different Sources

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]
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Muscular Dystrophy

See MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF – Myopathy.... muscular dystrophy

Dystrophy

Dystrophy means defective or faulty nutrition, and is a term applied to a group of developmental changes occurring in the muscles, independently of the nervous system (see MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF). The best-known form is progressive muscular dystrophy, a group of hereditary disorders characterised by symmetrical wasting and weakness, with no sensory loss. There are three types: Duchenne (usually occurring in boys within the ?rst three years of life); limb girdle (occurring in either sex in the second or third decade); and facio-scapulohumeral (either sex, any age). The three types have di?erent prognoses, but may lead to severe disability and premature death, often from respiratory failure. The third type progresses very slowly, however, and is compatible with a long life.

Diagnosis may be con?rmed by ELECTROMYOGRAPHY (EMG) or muscle biopsy. Although genetic research is pointing to possible treatment or prevention, at present no e?ective treatment is known, and deterioration may occur with excessive con?nement to bed. Physio-therapeutic and orthopaedic measures may be necessary to counteract deformities and contractures, and may help in coping with some disabilities.... dystrophy

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

An X-linked recessive disorder (that is, the abnormal gene is carried on the X chromosome). This means that the disease occurs almost exclusively in males, as its presence in a female is counteracted by the normal gene likely to be in her other X chromosome. The disorder is characterised by progressive muscular weakness and wasting. It is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, ocurring in 30 per 100,000 live male births, often – but not always – in families with other members having the disorder.

The disease usually appears within the ?rst three years of life, beginning in the pelvic girdle and lower limbs and later spreading to the shoulder girdle. The calf muscles become bulky (pseudohypertrophy). The weakness gives rise to a characteristic waddling gait and, when rising from the supine position, the child rolls on to his face and then uses his arms to push himself up. Death usually occurs by the middle of the second decade from respiratory infections. Prenatal screening of female carriers using gene probes is increasingly available. (See DYSTROPHY; MUSCLES, DISORDERS OF – Myopathy.)... duchenne muscular dystrophy

Pseudohypertrophic Muscular Dystrophy

A condition in which certain muscles enlarge owing to a fatty and ?brous degeneration, giving a false appearance of increased strength.

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

A pathogenic bacterium of the genus pseudomonas – rod-like, motile gram-negative bacteria (see GRAM’S STAIN) – that occurs in pus from wounds and is associated with urinary tract infections. The bacteria mostly live in soil and decomposing organic matter and help to recycle nitrogen in nature. Most of the bacteria in this genus are harmless to humans.... pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy

Reticulo-endothelial System

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

Becker Muscular Dystrophy

a *sex-linked (X-linked) disorder in which affected males develop an increase in muscle size followed by weakness and wasting. It usually starts between the ages of 5 and 15, and 25 years after onset most patients are wheelchair-bound. Although most men become severely disabled, life expectancy is close to normal. The disorder is similar to Duchenne *muscular dystrophy but less severe. [P. E. Becker (20th century), German geneticist]... becker muscular dystrophy

Fuchs’ Heterochromic Cyclitis

a condition characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation of the ciliary body and iris (anterior *uveitis) with depigmentation of the affected iris (*heterochromia). Glaucoma and cataract can develop in the affected eye.... fuchs’ heterochromic cyclitis

Fuchs’ Spots

pigmented lesions in the macular area of the retina that are seen in severely myopic (short-sighted) individuals. They are breaks in *Bruch’s membrane allowing choroidal *neovascularization and can result in reduced vision. [E. Fuchs]... fuchs’ spots

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

see complex regional pain syndrome.... reflex sympathetic dystrophy

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

(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

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