Intra Health Dictionary

Injected into or delivered through a needle in a vein.... intravenous

Another method of helping infertile couples. In over half of women diagnosed as infertile, the Fallopian tubes are normal, and in many it is unknown why they cannot conceive – although some have ENDOMETRIOSIS.

Eggs are obtained and mixed with the partner’s semen, then introduced into the woman’s Fallopian tubes for fertilisation to take place. The fertilised egg travels to the uterus where IMPLANTATION occurs and pregnancy proceeds. A variation of GIFT is zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) in which early development of the fertilised eggs happens in the laboratory before the young embryo is transferred to the Fallopian tubes. GIFT is best used in couples with unexplained infertility or with minor degrees of male or female cervical factor infertility. The success rate is about 17 per cent. (See also ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION.)... gamete intrafallopian transfer (gift)

Intracranial is the term applied to structures, diseases, etc. contained in or rising within the head.... intracranial

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the most signi?cant therapeutic advance in male INFERTILITY treatment in the past 30 years. The technique is used when in vitro fertilisation (IVF – see under ASSISTED CONCEPTION) is not possible because the man has very few, motile, normal sperm (see SPERMATOZOON), or when previous attempts at IVF have not produced a fertilised EMBRYO. ICSI requires a single sperm which is injected directly into the cytoplasm of an egg previously retrieved from the woman. Once fertilised, the embryo is transferred to her UTERUS. For men with no sperm in the semen, it may be possible to retrieve sperm by needle aspiration of the EPIDIDYMIS under local anaesthetic (see ANAESTHESIA). Other techniques involve microsurgical retrieval from the epididymis or TESTICLE under a general anaesthetic. Potential complications include scrotal pain, bruising, HAEMATOMA formation and infection. ICSI and surgical sperm-retrieval require extensive training and expertise and is currently available in only a few selected

infertility units. Safety concerns relate to a higher-than-expected rate of abnormalities in the SEX CHROMOSOMES after ICSI, and also the potential risk of transmitting paternal genetic defects in the Y chromosome to sons born after ICSI.... intracytoplasmic sperm injection

Intrathecal means within the membranes or meninges which envelop the SPINAL CORD. The intrathecal space, between the arachnoid and the pia mater, contains the CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (see INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE).... intrathecal

A method of helping CONCEPTION to occur when a man is infertile (see INFERTILITY) because his sperm (see SPERMATOZOON) cannot penetrate either the cervical mucus at the entrance of the UTERUS or the barriers that surround the OVUM. The sperm, often treated chemically beforehand to increase motility, are injected directly into the uterus via the VAGINA.... intrauterine insemination

Also known as , abnormalities in the cells of the cervix which may become cancerous.

The grading system is used to distinguish levels of change in the surface cells of the cervix in biopsy samples taken during colposcopy, a procedure usually performed following an abnormal cervical smear test.

Grades 1–3 broadly correspond to mild to severe cervical dysplasia in cells obtained from a smear.... cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

(DIC) A type of bleeding disorder in which abnormal clotting leads to depletion of coagulation factors in the blood; the consequence may be severe spontaneous bleeding.... disseminated intravascular coagulation

(GIFT) A technique for assisting conception (see infertility), which can only be used if a woman has normal fallopian tubes. In , eggs are removed from an ovary during laparoscopy and mixed with sperm in the laboratory before both are introduced into a fallopian tube. A fertilized egg may then become implanted in the uterus.... gamete intrafallopian transfer

A medical term meaning into or within the upper layers of the skin.

An intradermal injection is made into the skin; whereas a subcutaneous injection is made under the skin.... intradermal

A medical term meaning within a muscle, as in an intramuscular injection, in which a drug is injected deep within a muscle.... intramuscular

See IUD.... intrauterine contraceptive device

An X-ray procedure, commonly abbreviated to , used to give a clear image of the urinary tract. The procedure involves intravenous infusion of a contrast medium into the arm. The medium is carried in the blood to the urinary system, where it passes through the kidneys, ureters, and bladder to be excreted in the urine. X-rays taken at intervals show outlines of the urinary system. detects abnormalities such as tumours and obstructions, and signs of kidney disease.... intravenous urography

A narrowed or blocked coronary artery (see ARTERIES) can compromise the blood supply to the heart muscle (see HEART, DISEASES OF). A supportive tube or stent passed into each affected artery can restore the blood supply. The stent has a HEPARIN coating to stop blood clots from forming. Since it was ?rst performed in 1987, intracoronary stents have cut the reblockage rate from one in three patients who have had coronary ANGIOPLASTY to fewer than one in ten in cases where a stent was used with angioplasty.... intracoronary artery stenting

This is the pressure that is maintained by the brain tissue, intracellular and extracellular ?uid, cerebrospinal ?uid and blood. An increase in intracranial pressure may occur as a result of in?ammation, injury, haemorrhage, or tumour in the brain tissue as well as of some congenital conditions. The pressure is measured by lumbar puncture in which a syringe attached to a mamometer (pressure-measuring device) is inserted into the cerebrospinal ?uid surrounding the lower part of the spinal cord. Where continuous pressure monitoring is necessary, an in-dwelling device can be implanted into a cerebral ventricle. Normal pressure is around 10 mm of mercury (Hg), with the acceptable upper limit being 25 mm Hg.... intracranial pressure

A mechanical device, commonly a coil, inserted into the UTERUS to prevent CONCEPTION, probably by interfering with the implantation of the EMBRYO. For many women, IUCDs are an e?ective and acceptable form of contraception, although only about 10 per cent of women in the UK use them. The devices are of various shapes and made of plastic or copper; most have a string that passes through the cervix and rests in the vagina.

About one-third of women have adverse effects as the result of IUCD use: common ones are backache and heavy menstrual bleeding (see MENSTRUATION). The frequency of unwanted pregnancies is about 2 per 100 women-years of use. (See CONTRACEPTION.)... intrauterine contraceptive device (iucd)

A procedure for getting X-ray pictures of the URINARY TRACT. A radio-opaque medium is injected into a vein and, when it is excreted by the kidneys, the substance can be identi?ed on X-rays. Any abnormalities in structure or foreign bodies such as calculi are outlined by the dye (see KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF).... intravenous pyelogram (urogram)

See intravenous infusion.... infusion, intravenous

Treatment of a cancerous tumour in a body cavity or the cavity of a hollow organ by placing a radioactive implant or anticancer drugs within the cavity. Also called brachytherapy, intracavitary radiotherapy is mainly used to treat cancers of the uterus and cervix (see uterus, cancer of; cervix, cancer of). If implants (usually in the form of artificial radioisotopes embedded in wires or small tubes) are used, they are left there for a period of time.

The technique may be used to treat a malignant effusion (a collection of fluid that contains cancerous cells). A needle, sometimes with a catheter attached, is passed through the wall of the abdomen or the chest into the abdominal cavity or pleural cavity (the space around the lungs). As much of the fluid as possible is withdrawn from the cavity before anticancer drugs are injected directly into it. (See also interstitial radiotherapy.)... intracavitary therapy

Bleeding into the brain from a ruptured blood vessel. It is 1 of the 3 principal mechanisms by which a stroke can occur. It mainly affects middle-aged or elderly people and is usually due to atherosclerosis. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage.

The ruptured artery is usually in the cerebrum. The escaped blood seeps out, damaging brain tissue. The symptoms are sudden headache, weakness, and confusion, and often loss of consciousness. Speech loss, facial paralysis, or onesided weakness may develop, depending on the area affected. Surgery is usually impossible; treatment is aimed at lifesupport and the reduction of blood pressure. Large haemorrhages are usually fatal. For the survivor of an intracerebral haemorrhage, rehabilitation and outlook are as for any type of stroke.

intracytoplasmic sperm injection... intracerebral haemorrhage

A term to describe any condition that does not respond to treatment.... intractable

The pressure within the eye that helps to maintain the shape of the eyeball, due to the balance between the rate of production and removal of aqueous humour. Aqueous humour is continually produced from the ciliary body and exits from the drainage angle (a network of tissue between the iris and cornea). If drainage is impeded, intraocular pressure builds up (a condition known as glaucoma). If the ciliary body is damaged (as a result of prolonged inflammation), ultrasound scanning may be performed to assess the problem. The underlying cause is treated, if possible. If the baby’s growth is slowing, induction of labour or a caesarean section may be necessary. Most babies whose growth was retarded in the uterus gain weight rapidly after delivery. However, if an intrauterine infection or genetic disorder was the cause, poor growth may continue.

less fluid is produced and the eye becomes soft.... intraocular pressure

Poor growth in a fetus, usually resulting from a failure of the placenta to provide adequate nutrients (often related to pre-eclampsia) or sometimes from a fetal defect. Severe maternal disease, such as chronic kidney failure, can reduce fetal growth. Fetal problems such as an intrauterine infection or genetic disorder can also impair growth. Smoking during pregnancy may reduce fetal growth and birth weight.

Intrauterine growth retardation may be suspected on antenatal examination;... intrauterine growth retardation

The slow introduction, over hours or days, of fluid into the bloodstream through a cannula (thin plastic tube) inserted into a vein.

Commonly known as a drip, an intravenous injection is used to give blood (see blood transfusion) or, more commonly, fluids and essential salts.

Other uses include providing nutrients to people unable to digest food (see feeding, artificial) and the administration of certain drugs.... intravenous infusion

A type of in vitro fertilization, also referred to as , in which ova are fertilized outside the body and returned to a fallopian tube rather than to the uterus.... zygote intrafallopian transfer

see idiopathic intracranial hypertension.... benign intracranial hypertension

adj. within a joint. The term is commonly used to specify a fracture pattern, the location of a soft-tissue injury, or the route of injection of a drug. See also extra-articular; periarticular.... intra-articular

(benign intracranial hypertension, pseudotumour cerebri) a syndrome of raised pressure within the skull in the absence of a clear structural cause, such as a tumour. Although the cause is not certain, proposed mechanisms include impaired reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid or venous outflow from the brain. The symptoms include headache, vomiting, double vision, and *papilloedema. The diagnosis is made by finding a high opening pressure at *lumbar puncture in the absence of a causative structural abnormality on brain imaging. It can improve spontaneously but drug therapy or neurosurgical treatment may be required to protect the patient’s vision.... idiopathic intracranial hypertension

adj. within a chamber, such as the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye. In intracameral anaesthesia an anaesthetic agent is injected into the anterior chamber of the eye, usually during surgery.... intracameral

adj. situated or occurring inside a cell or cells.... intracellular

adj. within the cornea.... intracorneal

an increasingly recognized type of persistent headache in a patient with no history of headaches. Features include headache that is worse on standing and resolves on lying flat. It may be associated with other symptoms, such as dizziness, tinnitus, and (rarely) *diplopia. The commonest cause is a complication of lumbar puncture, but it may occur spontaneously (spontaneous intracranial hypotension) after a dural tear resulting in a leak of cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment is with bed rest and increased intake of fluids; caffeine orally or intravenously is also used. In cases that do not resolve, an epidural blood patch procedure is performed, in which a small quantity of the patient’s blood is slowly injected into the *epidural space to seal the leak.... intracranial hypotension headache

adj. within the walls. An intramural haematoma occurs within the wall of a blood vessel.... intramural

(in statistical surveys) see validity.... intraobserver error

adj. of or relating to the area within the eyeball. An intraocular lens implant is a plastic lens placed inside the eye after *cataract extraction to replace the natural lens.... intraocular

a wide-bore needle for insertion directly into the bone marrow of (usually) the tibia in children, used only in emergencies when no other means of intravenous access can be gained. Intraosseous needles enable fluids and drugs to be given rapidly. They are only for use with unconscious patients and must be removed when alternative access is obtained.... intraosseous needle

adj. occurring during labour or childbirth.... intrapartum

adj. (in ophthalmology) within the *stroma of the cornea.... intrastromal

an operation to correct severe degrees of myopia (short-sightedness). A disc of corneal tissue (from the *stroma of the cornea) is removed, frozen, and remodelled on a lathe, then replaced into the cornea to alter its curvature and thus reduce the myopia. *Excimer laser treatment, which is easier to perform, has now replaced this (see LASIK).... intrastromal keratomileusis

adj. within the middle ear cavity (see ear), usually referring to drugs injected through the eardrum to treat conditions of the inner ear. See also transtympanic.... intratympanic

death of a fetus in the uterus after 24 weeks of gestation. See stillbirth.... intrauterine fetal death

(IUGR, fetal growth restriction) failure of a fetus to achieve its growth potential, resulting in the birth of a baby whose birth weight is abnormally low in relation to its gestational age (see small for gestational age). Causes include *uteroplacental insufficiency, maternal disease (e.g. infection, malnutrition, high blood pressure, smoking, and alcoholism), poor socioeconomic conditions, multiple pregnancy (e.g. twins), and fetal disease or chromosomal abnormalities. It may be associated with *preterm birth.... intrauterine growth restriction

see IUS.... intrauterine system

(IVUS) a technique in which a micro *ultrasound transducer is mounted on a catheter, which is then advanced over a guidewire into a blood vessel. IVUS is used to accurately assess the diameter of the blood vessels before any treatment, to assess any internal abnormality within the blood vessels, or to help mark the blood vessel branches during any stent placement.... intravascular ultrasound

see artificial nutrition and hydration; nutrition.... intravenous feeding

(IVP) see pyelography.... intravenous pyelography

(IVH) see periventricular haemorrhage.... intraventricular haemorrhage

n. see introversion.... intraversion

Latin: during life.... intra vitam

adj. within the vitreous humour of the eye.... intravitreal

(PIN) cellular changes affecting the glans, prepuce, or penile shaft that precede the invasive stages of cancer of the penis. There are three stages (PIN I, II, or III) based on the degree of *dysplasia. The pathological features of PIN III indicate *carcinoma in situ, known as *erythroplasia of Queyrat and Bowen’s disease.... penile intraepithelial neoplasia

(PIN) abnormal cells in the prostate that are not cancer, but may be associated with cancer within the prostate. Typically, PIN will be found in prostate biopsies taken because levels of *prostate specific antigen are elevated. Multifocal high-grade PIN (HGPIN) on a prostate biopsy may indicate that another set of prostate biopsies should be taken in the future.... prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia

see intracranial hypotension headache.... spontaneous intracranial hypotension

(VIN) premalignant disease of the vulva, which has histological features and terminology similar to those of *cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Viral aetiological factors, such as HPV, are thought to be involved. The most common presenting symptom is itch, but VIN may be asymptomatic and detected only during treatment of preinvasive or invasive lesions of the cervix or lower genital tract.... vulval intraepithelial neoplasia