Cho Health Dictionary

A fatty substance produced predominantly by the liver, and necessary for building cell membranes, insulating the CNS, covering fats for blood transport, forming bile acids, oiling the skin and making steroid hormones. Blood cholesterols are not derived from food (digestion breaks them down) but are intentionally synthesized by the liver, in response to seeming need. Elevated cholesterols are the result of certain types of stress or metabolic imbalances, and the liver makes more than the tissues need. Although not a direct cause, high consumption of fats and proteins will convince the liver to kick into a fat/protein or anabolic stance...THEN it may oversecrete cholesterols, perhaps thinking you are putting food away for the winter.... cholesterol

Inflammation of the gall bladder and ducts, sometimes from the presence of passing stones, sometimes following fasting or anorexia, sometimes because of a spreading intestinal tract infection....sometimes just because you eat three avocado sandwiches before going to bed.... cholecystitis

A severe infectious epidemic disease due to Vibrio cholerae... cholera

Inflammation of of only bile ducts. This word and the next three describe conditions that may be, subjectively, all the same.... cholangitis

A neuromuscular condition, with twitching and spastic muscle control.... chorea

Choking is the process which results from an obstruction to breathing situated in the larynx (see AIR PASSAGES). It may occur as the result of disease causing swelling round the glottis (the entrance to the larynx), or of some nervous disorders that interfere with the regulation of the muscles which open and shut the larynx. Generally, however, it is due to the irritation of a piece of food or other substance introduced by the mouth, which provokes coughing but only partly interferes with breathing. As the mucous membrane lining the upper part of the latter is especially sensitive, coughing results in order to expel the cause of irritation. At the same time, if the foreign body is of any size, lividity of the face appears, due to partial su?ocation (see ASPHYXIA).

Treatment The choking person should take slow, deep inspirations, which do not force the particle further in (as sudden catchings of the breath between the coughs do), and which produce more powerful coughs. If the coughing is weak, one or two strong blows with the palm of the hand over either shoulder blade, timed to coincide with coughs, aid the e?ect of the coughing. If this is ine?ective, the Heimlich manoeuvre may be used. This involves hugging the person from behind with one’s hands just under the diaphragm. A sudden upward compressive movement is made which serves to dislodge any foreign body. In the case of a baby, sit down with left forearm resting on thigh. Place the baby chest-down along the forearm, holding its head and jaw with the ?ngers and thumb. The infant’s head should be lower than its trunk. Gently deliver three or four blows between the shoulder blades with the free hand. The resuscitator should not attempt blind ?nger-sweeps at the back of the mouth; these can impact a foreign body in the larynx.

If normal breathing (in adult or child) cannot be quickly restored, seek urgent medical help. Sometimes an emergency TRACHEOSTOMY is necessary to restore the air supply to the lungs. (See APPENDIX 1: BASIC FIRST AID.)... choking

A drug which causes increased flow of bile into the intestine... cholagogue

A cancer in the bile ducts of the liver associated with opisthorchiasis. See Opisthorchiasis.... cholangiocarcinoma

The process whereby the bile ducts (see BILE DUCT) and the gall-bladder (see LIVER) are rendered radio-opaque and therefore visible on an X-ray ?lm.... cholangiography

Removal of the gall-bladder (see LIVER) by operation.... cholecystectomy

The process whereby the gall-bladder (see LIVER) is rendered radio-opaque and therefore visisble on an X-ray ?lm.... cholecystography

The hormone (see HORMONES) released from the lining membrane of the DUODENUM when food is taken, and which initiates emptying of the gall-bladder (see LIVER).... cholecystokinin

Having gall stones.... cholelithiasis

The term applied to a drug that stimulates the ?ow of BILE.... choleretic

A reduction or stoppage in the ?ow of BILE into the intestine caused either by a blockage such as a stone in the BILE DUCT or by liver disease disturbing the production of bile. The ?rst type is called extrahepatic biliary obstruction and the second, intrahepatic cholestasis. The patient develops jaundice and itching and passes dark urine and pale faeces. Cholestasis may occasionally occur during pregnancy.... cholestasis

A drug of value in the treatment of the PRURITUS, or itching, which occurs in association with JAUNDICE. It does this by ‘binding’ the bile salts in the gut and so preventing their being reabsorbed into the bloodstream, where their excess in jaundice is responsible for the itching. It reduces the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and thereby, like clo?brate and STATINS, helping to reduce the incidence of coronary artery heart disease. (See HEART, DISEASES OF; HYPERLIPIDAEMIA.)... cholestyramine

Pertaining to functions primarily controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. See PARASYMPATHETIC... cholinergic

A TUMOUR composed in part of cartilage.... chondroma

A form of cancer affecting the CHORION, in the treatment of which particularly impressive results are being obtained from the use of methotrexate.... choriocarcinoma

This is the more external of the two fetal membranes. (See PLACENTA.)... chorion

See EYE.... choroid

An extensive web of blood vessels occurring in the ventricles of the BRAIN and producing the CEREBROSPINAL FLUID.... choroid plexus

See UVEITIS.... choroiditis

A glycoprotein hormone secreted by the PLACENTA in early pregnancy, and stimulating the CORPUS LUTEUM within the ovary (see OVARIES) to secrete OESTROGENS, PROGESTERONE, and relaxin. The hormone is essential for the maintenance of pregnancy up to about 6–8 weeks of gestation. A RADIOIMMUNOASSAY can be used to detect its presence, and pregnancy can be diagnosed as early as six days after conception by testing for it in the urine. Some tumours also secrete human chorionic gonadotrophin, particularly HYDATIDIFORM MOLE, which produces large amounts.... human chorionic gonadotrophin

See Cacao.... chocolate

Substances which increase the ?ow of BILE by stimulating evacuation of the gall-bladder (see LIVER). The great majority of these act only by increasing the activity of the digestive organs, and so producing a ?ow of bile already stored up in the gall-bladder. Substances which stimulate the liver to secrete more bile are known as CHOLERETIC.... cholagogues

The removal of gall-stones from the gallbladder or bile ducts (see GALL-BLADDER, DISEASES OF), when CHOLECYSTECTOMY or LITHOTRIPSY are inappropriate or not possible. It involves a cholecystomy, an operation to open the gall-bladder.... cholelithotomy

One of the many constituents of the vitamin B complex. Lack of it in the experimental animal produces a fatty liver. It is found in egg-yolk, liver, and meat. The probable daily human requirement is 500 mg, an amount amply covered by the ordinary diet. Choline can be synthesised by the body (see APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS).... choline

An ENZYME that helps to break down the neurotransmitter compound ACETYLCHOLINE.... cholinesterase

A nerve-?bre, tendon or cord.... chorda

An alternative name for colecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3 (see vitamin D).... cholecalciferol

A rare but serious condition in which skin cells proliferate and grow inwards from the ear canal into the middle ear.

Cholesteatoma usually occurs as a result of long-standing otitis media together with a defect in the eardrum (see eardrum, perforated).

Left untreated, it may damage the small bones in the middle ear and other structures.

Cholesteatoma needs to be removed surgically through the eardrum or by mastoidectomy.... cholesteatoma

A cancerous growth of cartilage occurring within or on the surface of large bones, causing pain and swelling.

Usually occurring in middle age, the tumour develops slowly from a noncancerous tumour (see chondroma; dyschondroplasia) or from normal bone.

Amputation of the bone above the tumour usually results in a permanent cure.... chondrosarcoma

Abnormal curvature of the penis, usually downwards.

Chordee mainly occurs in males with hypospadias, a birth defect in which the urethral opening lies on the underside of the penis.

Corrective surgery is usually performed between the ages of 1 and 3 years.... chordee

A rare childhood disorder of the central nervous system that causes involuntary jerky movements of the head, face, limbs, and fingers. Voluntary movements are clumsy, and the limbs become floppy. The disorder usually follows an attack of rheumatic fever.

Sydenham’s chorea usually clears up after 2–3 months and has no long-term adverse effects.... sydenham’s chorea

A method of diagnosing genetic abnormalities in a fetus using a small sample of tissue taken from the chorionic villi at edge of the placenta. Because the cells have the same chromosome makeup as those in the fetus, they can be used to detect genetic abnormalities. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is usually performed in the first 3 months of pregnancy in women who are at a higher-than-normal risk of having a child with a chromosomal disorder, such as Down’s syndrome, or a genetic disease, such as thalassaemia. Chromosome analysis of the villi cells takes place in the laboratory. CVS slightly increases the risk of miscarriage. choroid A layer of tissue at the back of the eye, behind the retina. The choroid contains many blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to the retinal cells and to surrounding tissues in the eye. choroiditis Inflammation of the choroid. It is often caused by infections such as toxocariasis or toxoplasmosis, more rarely by sarcoidosis, syphilis, and histoplasmosis. It sometimes has no obvious cause. Treatment includes corticosteroid drugs for the inflammation, and antibiotic drugs for any causative infection.... chorionic villus sampling

Allspice tea is well known for its healing properties and, it proved to be an important ingredient when cooking stews, soups but not only. Allspice Tea description The Allspice plant was discovered by Christopher Columbus on a Jamaican island, in 1494. The Spaniards called it “pimienta” (pepper) and started to use it widely when cooking. It is a small berry, tasting like a mixture of pepper, cloves, juniper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Nowadays, this plant is added to recipes and brewes in order to obtain a healing beverage. Due to its taste, Allspice is commonly used to flavor stews and soups. Rice dishes become tastier when this spice is added. Allspice tea is best known for its aid in digestive processes but not only. Allspice Tea brewing To prepare Allspice tea:

• place 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried allspice fruit (or powder) in 1 cup of boiling water
• steep them for 10 to 20 minutes
• drink the tea (sugar or honey might be added)

Allspice Tea benefits Allspice tea is said to:

• facilitate and promote good digestion
• help bloating, belching and flatulence
• help in preventing allergies
• help lower blood sugar
• help relieve toothache and muscle/joint pain
• help uplift the mood and relax the body

Allspice Tea side effects Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women must not take allspice in any form. Allspice tea may cause serious allergic reactions in hypersensitive individuals. It is contraindicated for those with chronic gastrointestinal conditions such as duodenal ulcers, reflux disease, spastic colitis, diverticulitis, disarticulates and ulcerative colitis. It should not be consumed by patients with cancer. Also, allspice tea should not be intaken by people with a high risk of cancer. Discovered by Christopher Columbus, allspice plant was firstused in cooking recipes and afterwards, the resulting beverage turned out to be a useful aid in treating several ailments. Allspice tea is a good choice to treat oneself and to strengthen the body.... allspice tea: a tasty choice

(Polish) An able-bodied woman Chofah, Choffa, Choffah... chofa

Those seeking care have options between and within health care units, including opportunities for gaining specialist care and second opinions, or to deny care.... choice

Cramps or tenesmus of the gall bladder or bile ducts.... cholecystalgia

(Native American) A birdlike woman

Cholenah, Cholyna, Choleena, Cholynah, Choleenah... cholena

Ruiz et Par.

Family: Menispermaceae.

Habitat: A native of Peru and Brazil.

English: False Pareira Brava.

Ayurvedic: Paatha, Ambashthaa (true Pareira is equated with Cissampelos pareira root).

Action: Diuretic (used for chronic inflammation of urinary passages, calculus affections, jaundice, dropsy); also for leucorrhoea, rheumatism.

Roots and stem contain alkaloids, including delta-tubocurarine and l- curarine. Tubocurarine is a potent muscle relaxant. The plant contains toxic derivatives and must be used in medicinal doses with caution.

Tubocurarine alkaloid is used as tubocurarine chloride to paralyse body’s muscles during operations.... chondodendron tomentosum

Help with chores, such as home repairs, gardening and heavy house cleaning.... chore service

A disease or syndrome of children, usually following or companion to rheumatic fever, and having involuntary movements, anxiety and impaired memory. It usually clears up in two or three months.... chorea, sydenham’s

... chorionic gonadotrophic

(Roxb.) G. Don.

Synonym: C. fragrans (Moon) Alston.

Family: Apocynaceae.

Habitat: Dense moist forests throughout India up to 1,500 m altitude.

English: Wood Vine.

Ayurvedic: Used in the Southern states as Muurvaa.

Action: Powdered root and stems— laxative, antibilious.

A lignan derivative has been isolated from the stem. It accelerated uptake of low density lipoprotein by Hep G2 cell by 67.0%.

The root bark contains 3.03% of total alkaloids consisting mainly of chonemorphine. Chonemorphine di- hydrochloride is an anti-amoebic principle. It showed in vitro activity against Entamoeba histolytica and trichomo- nas vaginalis. It proved efficacious against hepatic amoebiasis in golden hamsters and intestinal amoebiasis in Wister rats.... chonemorpha macrophylla

(Native American) Resembling a bluebird

Chosovie, Chosovy, Chosovey, Chosovee, Chosposi, Chosposie, Chosovea, Chosposy, Chosposey, Chosposee, Chosposea... chosovi

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)

A hereditary disease characterised by involuntary movements and DEMENTIA. Each child of a parent with the disease has a 50:50 chance of developing it. Onset is most common between the ages of 35 and 45, but 10 per cent of cases occur under the age of 20. Some patients show more severe mental disturbance; others more severe disturbances of movement; but in all it pursues an inexorable downward course over a period of 10–20 years to a terminal state of physical and mental helplessness. It is estimated that there are around 6,000 cases in Britain. The defective gene (located on chromosome no. 4) has now been identi?ed and GENETIC SCREENING is possible for those at risk. People with Huntington’s chorea and their relatives can obtain help and guidance from Huntington’s Disease Association.... huntington’s chorea

See ETHICS.... patient choice

A technique for displaying the bile ducts (see BILE DUCT) and pancreatic ducts (see PANCREAS) with radio-opaque dyes. These are introduced via a catheter (see CATHETERS) inserted into the ducts through an incision in the skin. An X-ray is then taken of the area.... percutaneous transhepatic cholangiopancreatography (ptc)

Also called St Vitus’s dance, this type of CHOREA is a disease of the central nervous system that occurs after RHEUMATIC FEVER – up to six months later – and is probably an in?ammatory complication of a ?-haemolytic streptococcal infection (see STREPTOCOCCUS). The patient presents with jerky, purposeless, involuntary movements of a limb and tongue, similar to the symptoms of CEREBRAL PALSY. Chorea is best treated as a transitory reversible form of cerebral palsy. The disorder usually lasts 6–8 months and residual symptoms are rare.... sydenham’s chorea

Remedies that inhibit release of acetylcholine as a neuro-transmitter. Given for anti-depressant therapy. May have side-effects of dry mouth, drowsiness, blurred vision. Administered by a qualified practitioner. Two chief remedies: Belladonna (atropa) and Henbane (hyoscyamus). They reduce acid secretion but are sometimes given with Comfrey and other tissue builders to promote healing. Anti-cholinergics decrease secretion of gastric juices by their control of the vagus nerve. ... anti-cholingergics

The British Government supports freedom of the individual to make an informed choice of the type of therapy he or she wishes to use and has affirmed its policy not to restrict the sale of herbal medicines.

A doctor with knowledge of herbal medicine may prescribe them should he consider them a necessary part of treatment. ... freedom of individual to choose therapy

A congenital defect of the nose in which 1 or both of the nasal cavities are not fully developed.... choanal atresia

A prefix that means relating to the bile or the biliary system.... chole-

To lower cholesterol. Avoid all animal fats and dairy products, bacon, ham, lobster, shell fish, milk (use skimmed), rich sauces, gravies, the use of cream, eggs, offal, ice cream, cheese (cottage cheese accepted), cream puffs, fried foods, crab, salami, pork, beef steak, veal, baked custard, mayonnaise made with eggs, milk chocolate, fried fish and chips. Alcohol, refined sugars. Accept: white fish, lean meat, chicken, skimmed milk, Tofu products, nuts except cashew and coconut, bread, breakfast cereals, cottage cheese, plenty of fruits and fruit juices, raw green vegetables and salad materials. For cooking – polyunsaturated oils such as sunflower, corn or Soya. No more than 3 eggs per week. 2-3 fatty fish meals each week to prevent clumping of platelets. Artichokes. Dandelion coffee. ... diet - cholesterol

Degenerative disease of the cortex and basal ganglia of the brain with mental retardation, jerky movements of face and limbs. Onset: 30-45 years. Hereditary.

Differential diagnosis: arterio-sclerosis, Sydenham’s chorea.

Action. Emotional instability ranging from apathy to irritability. Complicated by menstrual problems (Motherwort, Helonias, Black Cohosh). Regresses into dementia. No cure possible, but anti-convulsants may reduce contortions and restlessness. Institutional care may be necessary. Scientists claim the gene that causes Huntingdon’s disease has been identified.

Alternatives. Of Therapeutic Value. Betony, Black Cohosh, Chamomile (German), Cramp bark, Helonias, Ladyslipper, Motherwort, Oats, Passion flower, Sarsaparilla, Skullcap, Valerian, Feverfew. Tablets/capsules. Motherwort, Passion flower, Skullcap, Valerian.

Formula. Combine: equal parts, Black Cohosh, Mistletoe, Helonias. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extract: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily in water or honey.

Traditional, UK. Combine equal parts, Skullcap, Valerian, Mistletoe. 1oz (30g) to 1 pint (500ml) water; bring to boil; remove vessel when boiling point is reached. Dose: half-1 cup thrice daily.

Diet. Lacto-vegetarian. Yoghurt. Low salt. Oatmeal porridge, Muesli, regular raw food days. Supplements. Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin B6, Kelp, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc.

Note: It would appear the Ginkgo would be an object of scientific study for the complaint. Treatment by or in liaison with general medical practitioner only. ... huntingdon’s chorea

Inflammation of a cartilage, usually caused by pressure, stress, or injury.

Costochondritis is inflammation affecting the cartilage between the ribs and the sternum (breastbone).... chondritis

A prefix denoting a relationship to cartilage, as in chondrocyte, a cell that produces cartilage.... chondro-

A painful disorder of the knee in which the cartilage behind the patella (kneecap) is damaged.

Adolescents are most commonly affected.

The condition may result from knee injuries or sporting activities in which the knee is bent for long periods.

This action weakens the inner part of the quadriceps muscle (at the front of the thigh) causing the patella to tilt when the knee is straightened and rub against the lower end of the femur.

The cartilage that covers both bones becomes roughened, causing pain and tenderness.

Treatment is with analgesic drugs and exercises to strengthen the thigh muscles.

Rarely, surgery may be needed.... chondromalacia patellae

A condition in which multiple noncancerous tumours, called chondromas, arise in the bones, most commonly the bones of the hands and feet.

The tumours consist of cartilage cells and usually cause no symptoms.... chondromatosis

A condition in which the jerky, uncontrolled movements characteristic of chorea are combined with the slower, continuous writhing movements of athetosis.

Choreoathetosis occurs in children with cerebral palsy and as a side effect of certain drugs.... choreoathetosis

A hormone produced by the placenta in early pregnancy. Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen and progesterone, which are needed for a healthy pregnancy. HCG is excreted in the urine, and its presence in urine is the basis of pregnancy tests on urine samples. ... gonadotrophin, human chorionic

A rare condition in which many of the bile ducts are narrowed, causing progressive liver damage for which the only treatment may be a liver transplant. (See also cholangitis.)... sclerosing cholangitis

An imaging technique performed to check that there are no gallstones left in the bile duct after a cholecystectomy.

A T-shaped rubber tube is inserted into the bile duct during the surgery.

A week or so later, contrast medium is inserted into the tube and X-rays are taken.... t-tube cholangiography

shallow *retinal detachment in the area of the macula due to a localized leakage through the retinal pigment epithelium (see retina) into the subretinal space. The cause is unknown. It affects young adult males, causing reduced or distorted central vision that usually settles in a few months.... central serous chorioretinopathy

n. (pl. choanae) a funnel-shaped opening, particularly either of the two openings between the nasal cavity and the pharynx.... choana

n. see blackdamp.... chokedamp

(chole-, cholo-) combining form denoting bile. Example: cholemesis (vomiting of).... chol

n. a benign tumour originating from the bile duct.... cholangioma

n. see cholangiography.... cholangiopancreatography

n. a flexible optical endoscope using digital video technology to visualize and sample the interior of the bile ducts.... cholangioscope

combining form denoting the gall bladder. Example: cholecystotomy (incision of).... cholecyst

n. a surgical procedure in which the gall bladder is joined to the small intestine. It is performed in order to allow bile to pass freely from the liver to the intestine, bypassing an obstructed common bile duct.... cholecystenterostomy

n. a form of *cholecystenterostomy in which the gall bladder is surgically anastomosed to the duodenum.... cholecystoduodenostomy

the presence of gallstones specifically in the gall bladder (as opposed to the common bile duct: see choledocholithiasis).... cholecystolithiasis

(cholecystotomy) n. an intervention in which a catheter is placed in an infected gall bladder to drain the pus. This is the preferred technique for patients who are unfit to undergo emergency removal of the gall bladder (*cholecystectomy).... cholecystostomy

(choledocho-) combining form denoting the common bile duct. Example: choledochoplasty (plastic surgery of).... choledoch

n. gallstones within the common bile duct. Gallstones usually form in the gall bladder and pass through the cystic duct into the common bile duct. However, they may develop within the common bile duct itself, despite *cholecystectomy.... choledocholithiasis

n. a highly specialized endoscopic instrument used to visualize the common bile duct. This can aid removal of stones from the common bile duct during a laparoscopic *cholecystectomy.... choledochoscope

n. a surgical operation in which the common bile duct is opened in order to search for or to remove stones within it. It may be performed at the same time as *cholecystectomy or if gallstones form in the bile duct after cholecystectomy.... choledochotomy

n. the production of bile by the liver.... choleresis

n. an uncommon form of chronic inflammation of the gall bladder in which small crystals of cholesterol are deposited on the internal wall, like the pips of a strawberry: hence its descriptive term strawberry gall bladder. The crystals may enlarge to become *gallstones.... cholesterosis

(cholalic acid) see bile acids.... cholic acid

see urticaria.... cholinergic urticaria

n. the presence of bile in the urine, which lends it a dark brown colour. Choluria is caused by liver disease, usually in cases of obstructive jaundice, and reflects an excess of bilirubin in the blood.... choluria

(chondro-) combining form denoting cartilage. Example: chondrogenesis (formation of).... chondr

n. a material that resembles gelatin, produced when cartilage is boiled.... chondrin

n. see mitochondrion.... chondriosome

n. a cell that produces the matrix of *cartilage.... chondroblast

n. a tumour derived from *chondroblasts, having the appearance of a mass of well-differentiated cartilage.... chondroblastoma

n. the appearance of calcific material in joint cartilage, most commonly an incidental finding on X-ray of the knees in elderly patients and usually causing no symptoms. Calcification of cartilage may also be seen at the shoulder and in the fibrocartilage of the wrist. It may be associated with osteoarthritis. It is also seen less commonly in several other disorders, including Wilson’s disease, pseudogout, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, and haemochromatosis.... chondrocalcinosis

n. a cell that is concerned with the absorption of cartilage.... chondroclast

n. the embryonic skull, which is composed entirely of cartilage and is later replaced by bone. See also meninx.... chondrocranium

n. a *cartilage cell, found embedded in the matrix.... chondrocyte

a fairly common painful nodule on the upper part of the ear. It occurs mainly in middle-aged or elderly men and characteristically prevents the sufferer from sleeping on the affected side; it is readily treated by being cut out.... chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis

(chondro-osteodystrophy, chondrodystrophy) n. any of various conditions in which there is abnormal cartilage development. It affects long bones and can cause short-limb dwarfism, overgrowth of the epiphysis, or other deformities. One particular form is an autosomal *recessive syndrome most commonly found in Old Order Amish populations. See also achondroplasia.... chondrodysplasia

a mucopolysaccharide that forms an important constituent of cartilage, bone, and other connective tissues. It is composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine units. Although it is sold as a supplement to help with joint pain, evidence of any benefit is limited.... chondroitin sulphate

n. softening, inflammation, and degeneration of cartilage at a joint. Chondromalacia patellae is the most common kind, affecting the undersurface of the kneecap; it results in pain in the front of the knee and grating (*crepitus), which is made worse by kneeling, squatting, and climbing stairs. Treatment includes physiotherapy, ice packs, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), weight loss, and avoidance of aggravating factors, such as running and jumping.... chondromalacia

n. the refashioning of articular cartilage, commonly performed by shaving areas of worn and unstable cartilage with the aid of an *arthroscope.... chondroplasty

see NHS e-Referral Service.... choose and book

(chordo-) combining form denoting 1. a cord. 2. the notochord.... chord

n. a rare tumour arising from remnants of the embryologic *notochord. The classical sites are the base of skull and the region of the sacrum.... chordoma

n. inflammation and infection of the inner and outer fetal membranes, often after preterm premature rupture of membranes (*PPROM). This condition is associated with poor fetal outcome and can lead to maternal sepsis from *endometritis.... chorioamnionitis

n. any eye disease involving both the choroid and the retina. See central serous chorioretinopathy.... chorioretinopathy

n. a mass of tissue composed of tissue not normally found at the affected site. A *dermoid cyst is an example.... choristoma

the number of chorionic membranes present on direct examination of the placenta and membranes following delivery of *twins. Chorionicity can be determined antenatally by ultrasound, ideally between 10 and 14 weeks gestation. Where two placental masses are identified, the pregnancy is dichorionic. More frequently a single placental mass exists and chorionicity can only be determined by evaluation of the intertwin membrane; the pregnancy is monochorionic when the fetuses share a chorion (see illustration; see also lambda sign; T-sign). Chorionicity rather than zygosity is a better determinant of perinatal outcome in twins. The perinatal mortality rate of monochorionic pregnancies may be up to four times that of dichorionic.... chorionicity

the separation of the *choroid from the *sclera of the eye as a result of leakage of fluid from the vessels of the choroid. It occurs when pressure inside the eyeball is very low, usually after trauma or intraocular surgery.... choroidal detachment

n. a sex-linked hereditary condition in which the retinal pigment epithelium (see retina) and the choroid begin to degenerate in the first few months or years of life. In males this results in blindness, but in females it rarely causes any significant visual loss.... choroideraemia

see ERCP.... endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

see human placental lactogen.... human chorionic somatomammotrophin

the website for *NHS England. It provides comprehensive health information to help patients make the best choices about their health and the best use of NHS and social-care services.... nhs choices

a pregnancy-related condition characterized by intense *pruritus (itch) – and consequent sleep deprivation – in the absence of a skin rash, with abnormal liver function tests and elevated bile acids, all of which remit following delivery. The clinical importance of obstetric cholestasis lies in the potential fetal risks, which may include prematurity and intrauterine death.... obstetric cholestasis

imaging of the bile duct and pancreatic duct. A catheter is carefully manipulated into the ducts via direct puncture through the abdomen under radiological guidance. Contrast material is flushed through the catheter to delineate the ducts (see also cholangiography). This procedure is often performed in cases of obstructive jaundice prior to insertion of a biliary drain or stent when *ERCP is not possible.... percutaneous transhepatic cholangiopancreatography

agent which stimulates the contraction of the gall bladder.... cholecystokinetic