Retro Health Dictionary

In?ammation of the optic nerve behind (rather than within) the EYE. It usually occurs in young adults and presents with a rapid deterioration in vision over a few hours. Colour vision is also impaired. Usually vision recovers over a few weeks, but colour vision may be permanently lost. It can be associated with certain viral illnesses and with MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS). (See also EYE, DISORDERS OF.)... retrobulbar neuritis

Movement in a contrary or backward direction from normal (e.g. a retrograde pyelogram introduces dye into the pelvis of the kidney by passing it up the ureters).... retrograde

A research design used to test hypotheses in which inferences about exposure to the putative causal factor(s) are derived from data relating to characteristics of the persons under study or to events or experiences in their past. The essential feature is that some of the persons under study have the disease or other outcome condition of interest, and their characteristics and past experiences are compared with those of other, unaffected persons.... retrospective study

A VIRUS containing ribonucleic acid (RNA) which is able to change its genetic material into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using an ENZYME called reverse transcriptase. This conversion enables the retrovirus to become integrated into the host cell’s DNA. Retroviruses are believed to be involved in the development of some cancers; they are also associated with disorders linked with an impaired immune system (see IMMUNITY). HIV is a retrovirus.

Retroviruses are also used in the development of gene therapy (see GENETIC ENGINEERING).... retrovirus

An abnormal position of the UTERUS, occurring in about 20 per cent of women, in which its long axis is pivoted backwards in relation to the CERVIX UTERI and VAGINA instead of forwards.... retroversion

Also called retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that mainly affects the eyes of premature infants. The usual cause is high concentrations of oxygen being given as part of the treatment for respiratory distress. Excess oxygen causes the tissues at the margin of the retina to shut down their blood vessels. When oxygen concentrations return to normal, the affected tissues may send strands of new vessels and fibrous scar tissue into the vitreous humour. This may interfere with vision and cause retinal detachment. Laser treatment may be used.... retrolental fibroplasia

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 ABSCESS occurring in the cellular tissue behind the throat (PHARYNX). It is the result in general of disease in the upper part of the SPINAL COLUMN.... retropharyngeal abscess

A mock-humorous term used by doctors to imply that one can always see things more clearly after the event than at the time. One danger of making a judgement on the competence of a doctor treating a patient is that it is easier to know what was the right thing to have done once you know the end of the story.... retrospectoscope

Pain in the central region of the chest, behind the sternum. Causes include irritation of the oesophagus, angina pectoris, or myocardial infarction. (See also chest pain.)... retrosternal pain

A normal variation in which the uterus inclines backwards rather than forwards. A retroverted uterus rarely causes problems unless it is combined with a pelvic infection.... uterus, retroverted

see ERCP.... endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

n. the bending backward of an organ or part of an organ, especially the abnormal bending backward of the upper part of the uterus (i.e. the part furthest from the cervix). Compare anteflexion.... retroflexion

see apicectomy.... retrograde root canal treatment

(RPF) a condition in which a dense plaque of fibrous tissue develops behind the peritoneum adjacent to the abdominal aorta. It may be secondary to malignancy, medication (methysergide, beta blockers), aortic aneurysm, or certain infections. The ureters become encased and hence obstructed, causing acute *anuria and renal failure. The obstruction can be relieved by *nephrostomy or the insertion of double J *stents. In the acute phase steroid administration may help, but in established RPF *ureterolysis is required.... retroperitoneal fibrosis

the region between the posterior parietal *peritoneum and the front of the *lumbar vertebrae. It contains important structures, including the kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, lumbar spinal nerve roots, sympathetic ganglia and nerves, and the abdominal *aorta and its major branches.... retroperitoneal space

the region behind the *pharynx and in front of the bones of the neck. Infection in this space can result in a retropharyngeal abscess.... retropharyngeal space

n. a compulsive tendency to walk backwards. It is a symptom of *parkinsonism.... retropulsion