Category: P

A pituitary adenoma occurs in the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain and produces many hormones that are involved in governing the activity of other glands. Adenomas on the pituitary gland can lead to diseases such as acromegaly and cushing syndrome.  

Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse of one person in a relationship by another. Partner abuse is the most common pattern of domestic or family violence, in which one partner establishes power and control over the other through fear, domination, and intimidation. Although women are most often the victims of domestic violence, women also abuse their…

A test that evaluates left heart (atrium) pressure. Done during cardiac catheterization by inserting a thin, plastic catheter into a vein in the arm or neck, advancing it to a central vein (vena cava), and into a vessel in the lung (pulmonary artery).  

An X-ray study of the pulmonary arteries and related blood vessel structures after injection of contrast medium.  

A test of one of the phases in the blood clotting process; a measure of the blood’s ability to generate a normal amount of thromboplastin. A test for the amount of thromboplastin present in the plasma that reacts with prothrombin. This is determined by quantitating the prothrombin that remains in the serum after coagulation is…

A test of a tumor’s response to progesterone, to predict whether the tumor is likely to respond to hormonal therapy.  

A test done on blood to determine various reproductive functions, including adequate placental function in a pregnant woman; also tests for causes of infertility and the presence of ovulation.  

A skipped heartbeat, also known as extra systole. The contraction of the cardiac ventricle prior to the normal time, caused by an electrical impulse to the ventricle arising from a site other than the sinoatrial node. The PVC may be a single event or occur several times in a minute or in pairs or strings.…

A progesterone derivative, elevated in adrenogenital disease and Cushing’s syndrome. A metabolite of progesterone. Its presence in the urine is increased in those who have congenital adrenal hyperplasia.  

X-ray studies performed immediately after an operation, in the recovery room, intensive care unit, or patient’s room. An essential electrolyte that regulates heart muscle activity, cellular fluid balance, and various enzyme reactions.