LAAM: (Rx) levomethadyl acetate hydrochloride; used in
treatment for heroin addiction.
LA:Ao ratio:
(Cardio) left atrial:aortic.
LABA: (Abbrev) laser-assisted
balloon angioplasty.
la belle indifférence: (Neuro) seen in some stroke patients, a serene detachment,
inappropriate lack of concern for their disabilities.
labetalol: (Rx) generic antiadrenergic, used to stabilize BP.
labial: (adjective) meaning pertaining to the labia.
labile: (adjective) meaning unstable, easily changed, as in
“labile blood pressure”.
labor curve: (
labrum-ligament complex: LLC; structure involved in shoulder dislocations
(Source: Pyle, Med Terminology, 8th Ed.).
LAC: (Lab) lupus anticoagulant; associated with increased
risk of thromboembolic disease, stroke, etc., also associated with spontaneous
abortion.
Lac Courte Oreilles: A band
of the Native American tribe Ojibwa, also called the Chippewa tribe, northern WI.
Lachman
test: (Ortho) for determining
anterior cruciate ligament tear (knee).
lackadaisical: lacking spirit or liveliness, dreamy.
Lacri-Lube: spelling confirmed on Stedman’s Corrections List
2002; OTC lubricant eye ointment.
lacrimal sac: (Ophth) eye;
also called tear sac.
lacrimal scintigraphy:
(Ophth/Test)
done to evaluate tear duct function.
LaCrosse
encephalitis: (Neuro) neurologic
infection from an infected mosquito (from infected squirrel or chipmunk, etc), can include coma, seizures, and may be fatal if
untreated.
Lactaid : OTC
for lactose intolerance (dairy).
lactated Ringer’s solution:
physiologic salt, lactic acid
solution for irrigation.
lacteal cataract:
(Ophth) milky cataract.
lactiferous duct: ducts which drain the mammary gland lobes.
Lactobacillus
GG: (Homeopathy) a probiotic used to
treat antibiotic-related diarrhea and maintain GI health.
lactoferrin: protein found in various human secretions (bile,
saliva, tears, milk, etc), has been found to retard
fungal/bacterial growth.
Lactomer material: used for absorbable skin staples.
Lactosorb: (Ortho/Plastic Surgery) plating system used in craniomaxillofacial
deformities in children.
lacto-ovo vegetarian: someone who eats no animal products, but will eat
eggs and milk.
lactulose: used as a laxative and also ammonia detoxification.
lacunar infarction,
infarct: (Vascular/Neuro) blockage
of small vessels within the brain.
lacunar ligament: (Anatomy) fibrous band in upper leg/groin,
forms medial boundary of femoral ring.
lacuna (noun,
singular): abnormal space, cavity, gap, or depression;
lacunae is plural; lacunule is a very small lacuna.
LAD: (Cardio) left anterior descending artery.
LADARVision
laser: (Ophth/Equip) excimer laser to treat vision problems.
Ladd
pressure monitor:
Ladd bands:
(GI) tight peritoneal folds that pass over and across duodenum (malrotation).
Ladd
procedure: (GI) to correct malrotation of bowel (Ladd bands).
LAF: lymphocyte
activating factor.
Lafora body
disease: (Neuro) progressive myoclonus epilepsy associated with
progressive dementia.
Laforce adenotome: (Instrument)
lag screw technique: (Ortho) fixation technique.
lagophthalmos: (Ophth) incomplete closure of the palpebral fissure
on attempt to close eyelids, results in injury to bulbar conjunctiva and
cornea.
Laguna Negra virus: (Pulm) a variation of the hantavirus
pulmonary syndrome.
Lahey
forceps: (Instrument) used in GYN surgery.
LAIF: (Ortho) laparoscopic assisted interbody fusion,
spine.
LAK: (Abbrev) lymphokine- or lymphocyte-activated killer cells;
known as tumor killers.
La Leche League:
(OB/GYN)
organization that supports and helps
breast-feeding women.
Lalonde forceps:
(Instrument)
delicate hook, used in Plastic Surgery
skin closures.
lambda light chain: (Hem/Onc) may also hear dictated as kappa light chain, free light chain, bound
light chain.
Lambda Plus
laser: (Equip) used for photodynamic therapy.
lambdoid suture:
(Anatomy) in skull, joins parietal to occipital bone.
Lambrinudi
triple arthrodesis: (Ortho) for footdrop.
lambs quarters: (Allergy) type of plant,
used for allergy testing.
lamellar body number density:
(Test) a test to identify a
fetus at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome, assesses fetal lung
capacity using electronic cell counter (Source: Pyle, “Medical Terminology”, 8th
Ed, 2003).
lamellar bone:
normal type adult mammalian bone.
lamellar cataract: (Ophth) opacity limited to the cortex; aka,
zonular cataract.
Lamictal: (Rx)
generic = lamotrigine, anticonvulsant drug.
lamin-: prefix indicating lamina.
lamina: a plate or layer.
laminar flow: nonturbulent motion of fluids in smooth, parallel paths.
laminaria: (Ob-GYN) sterile applicator made of kelp, facilitates
cervical dilatation (Source: Pyle, “Medical Terminology”, 8th Ed,
2003).
Laminaria digitata:
(capitalized) the actual
genus of kelp, Laminaria digitata, used to induce abortions; used dried and as
it absorbs fluids it expands, dilating the cervix. (Source: “Medical
Terminology”, 8th Ed., Pyle, 2003).
laminectomy: (Ortho) excision of vertebral lamina; see laminotomy
below.
laminotomy: (Ortho) common approach to a herniated disk and
often mistakenly called a laminectomy.
Lamisil: (terbinafine) 1% cream (OTC as of 1999), topical
antifungal.
Lamisil DermGel: see
Lamisil.
lamivudine: (Rx) generic drug for HIV.
lamivudine/AZT: (Rx) generic for Epivir/Retrovir, drug combination for AIDS.
Lamont nasal saw:
(Equip)
lamotrigine: (Rx) generic for Lamictal; anticonvulsant drug.
Lamprene: (Rx) generic = clofazimine; drug to treat MAC
infection in AIDS patients; originally approved for leprosy.
Lanabiotic: OTC topical antibiotic/anesthetic.
Lanacane:
OTC cream to treat itching (spelling verified on manufacturer’s website 2001).
lacinating pain: stabbing, piercing.
Landau
color test: ?
Landmark
catheter: brand name.
Landolt ring: (Ophth) device for testing vision.
Landry-Guillain-Barr-Strohl syndrome: (Neuro) acute
idiopathic polyneuritis.
Landsmeer
ligaments: deep fascial band in hands.
Lane
plate: for long bone
fixation:
Lang suture:
?
Lange skin
fold calipers: device for measuring
body fat
Lange
procedure: for metatarsus varus.
Lange test: (Neuro) for multiple sclerosis.
Langenbeck
triangle: area of hip and upper leg.
Langenskiold procedure: (Ortho) for fusion of growth plate, hip osteotomy.
Langer
lines: (Derm/Plastics) normal
tension lines of skin.
lansoprazole: (Rx) generic for Prevacid, GI med.
Lantiseptic: skin care
product line.
Lantus: (Rx) generic = insulin glargine; for diabetes.
Lanz tube: low-pressure cuff endotracheal tube.
LAP: (Lab) leukocyte alkaline phosphatase; test for
chronic myelogenous leukemia, result given as a score, normal less than 20.
“lap appy”:
slang for laparoscopic appendectomy
laparoscopic Heller myotomy:
(GI) surgical treatment of esophageal achalasia.
laparoscopic intracorporeal ultrasound: LICU;
used in place of cholangiography to examine biliary duct system.
laparoscopic laser-assisted autoaugmentation: (Peds) performed in children for neurogenic bladder
dysfunction.
laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication: (GI)
surgical treatment for GERD.
laparoscopic pneumodissection:
uses short bursts of high
pressure CO2 to dissect tissue.
laparoscopic surgeon’s thumb:
(Condition) area of
paresthesia in lateral digital nerve distribution from holding laparoscopic
instruments for long periods, resolves in hours to days.
laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation: LUNA
laparoscopy under local anesthesia: LULA.
Lap-Band adjustable gastric banding system: surgical treatment for morbid obesity.
LAPDAP: (Rx)
for treatment of malaria; chlorproguanil/dapsone.
Lapides
operation:
(Uro) for neurogenic bladder.
Laplacian
mapping: body surface mapping.
Lapro-Clip: ligating clip system.
Lap
Sac: used to enclose larger organs or masses of
resected tissue, which are then morselized and removed through a small
laparoscopic incision; also called Pleatman sac.
lap tape: actually a large
laparoscopic sponge or pad used in major abdominal surgery, packed into wounds
(Source: “Med.Term.”, 8th Ed, Pyle).
LapTie: (Style Note: 1 word) endoscopic knot-typing
instrument.
Lapwall: (Surgery)
brand name of laparotomy sponge and wound protector.
LAR/CAA: low anterior resection in combination with coloanal
anastomosis for primary rectal cancer.
large-bore needle: (Instrument)
large clothing artifact:
(Radio)
on x-rays or scans; wrinkles in clothing
(from gowns, etc) imitate calcified arteries on film,
also rolled up pants or pockets may have radiopaque objects, such as small
stones, in them, confusing radiologists.
large loop excision of the transformation zone: (OB-GYN)
LLETZ; alternative to colposcopically-directed punch
biopsy for diagnosing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
L-Arginine: OTC
dietary supplement, amino acid, used
particularly for lowering cholesterol , improving immune response, as well as
to increase sexual performance; also called Arginine.
Lariam: (Rx) generic = mefloquine;
prevents malaria (FDA 2002).
Larmour equation, frequency:
(Radio) terms used in MRI.
LaRoque
herniorrhaphy: ?
Larrey hernia:
herniation through
subcostosternal space, also called Mogagni hernia.
Larrey
point: left xiphisternal junction.
LARS: (GI) laparoscopic antireflux surgery.
laryngeal framework surgery:
(ENT) procedure to
change/improve voice, also called thyroplasty or phonosurgery.
laryngeal mask airway: (Anesthesia) LMA, device
which helps patient breathe while under general anesthesia.
laryngeal stroboscopy: (ENT) tests voice.
laryngeal web:
(ENT) congenital anomaly,
malformation; it can either be a thin or thick membrane, most often at the
level of the vocal cords, compromises airway and may require surgery.
laryngomalacia: (ENT/Condition) treated by unilateral supraglottoplasty or epiglottoplasty.
laryngoplastic phonosurgery:
(ENT) alteration of the
laryngeal framework to affect a change in voice.
laryngotracheal injuries: hyoid fracture, supraglottic-hyoid-thyroid-ala
fracture, glottic-thyroid-cricoid fracture,
subglottic-cricotracheal
fracture.
LAS: lymphadenopathy
syndrome.
LASE: (Ortho)
laser-assisted spinal endoscopy.
Lasègue
sign: straight leg raising test; positive is indicative of nerve root
irritation or low back pathology.
LASER: acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated
Emission of Radiation. Types to date in late 2002
include: AccuLase excimer
laser, alexandrite (solid-state), ArF excimer, argon,
BluLaze (dental), Candela,
Candela 405 nm, Centauri Er:YAG,
CHRYS CO2, Coherent CO2,
Coherent
UltraPulse,
Cool Touch, copper vapor pulsed, CorneaSparing LTK,
coumarin pulsed dye, CTE:YAG,
Derma K,
DermaLase, EpiTouch ruby, erbium:YAG (Er:YAG),
excimer, FeatherTouch CO2 olmium,
Femtosecond laser
keratome, FiberLase, flashlamp-pulsed Nd:YAG,
flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye, Flexlase, “flying spot”
excimer, gallium-aresenid (GaA), Gherini-Kauffman endo-otoprobe,
Heart Laser, holmium:YAG, Horn endo-
otoprobe, Kaplan Pendulaser 115, Kirsch, Krypton,
Lambda Plus PDL 1 and PDL 2, LaserScan LSX,
Lasertrolysis, LaserTweezers, LightSheer diode, Lightstic
180 fiberoptic, Lightstic 360, Mainster retina,
midinfrared,MultiPulse, Nidek EC-5000,
NovaLine Litho-S DUV excimer, NovaPulse, Novolase,
OcuLight GL,
OmniPulse-MAX holmium,
Opmilas 144 Plus, Opmilas CO2, Otolam,
Palomar, pulsed dye laser, Polaris 1.32
Nd-YAG, Prima, Prostalase, Q-switched neodymium:YAG, Q-switched ruby, ScleroLaser, Skinlight,
Spectranetics
laser sheath, super long-pulse diode, THC (thulium, holmium, chromium), Topaz CO2, TruPulse,
Twilite
[dental], UltraFine, UltraPulse, Vbeam pulsed dye, Versatome, Visulas Nd:YAG,
Vitesse Cos,
Waterlase Millenium, Xanar 20 Ambulase, XeCl (xenon-chloride), Xintec
holmium, Zeiss Visulas 690s, Zyoptix,
etc.)
laser
acupuncture: (Neuro) used for analgesia.
laser-assisted
microanastomosis/microvascular anastomosis:
LAMA; uses laser to seal
vessels
instead of sutures.
laser-assisted
spinal endoscopy: (Ortho) LASE; for lumbar diskectomy.
laser-assisted
tissue welding: (Uro) bladder augmentation
or enterocystoplasty method.
laser-assisted
uvulopalatoplasty: (Procedure) LAUP, treatment for snoring, sleep apnea.
laser-assisted balloon angioplasty: (Cardio) LABA; thermal
laser to open channel in artery for balloon to be inserted to dilated stenosis.
laser biomicroscopy:
(Oph) records vitreoretinal structures at macula.
laser
correlational spectroscopy: LCS; method to
diagnose malignant diseases by blood plasma analysis.
laser Doppler
flowmetry: LDF; measurement of cochlear blood flow through intact
otic capsule bone.
Laserflo
blood perfusion monitor: for evaluating/monitoring
in situ microvascular circulation.
laser image custom arthroplasty: LICA
Laser
Lancet: brand name laser device for
capillary blood draws used to protect from accidental needlesticks,
LaserLite system: diode laser to treat leg veins and remove unwanted
hair.
laser
myringotomy: (ENT) treatment for
serous otitis media without ventilation tubes needed.
laser
nucleotomy: (Ortho) treatment of herniated disk.
LaserPen: (Instrument)
hand-held device to stimulate muscles/nerves in acupuncture.
laser photocoagulation: electromagnetic radiation.
laser plume: the toxic by-product of laser procedures.
LaserScan LSX: (Equip)
for eye surgery.
laser sclerostomy: (Oph) treatment for
glaucoma.
LaserScissors 390/20:
(Device)
LaserSonics EndoBlade: (Device)
used in laparoscopic procedures.
LaserSonics SurgiBlade: (Device)
used in colposcopic procedures.
laser speckle:
(Ophth) to assess night myopia.
laser stapedotomy: (ENT) procedure for deafness from otosclerosis,
making opening in stapes.
laser thermal keratoplasty: (Oph) LTK, laser procedure which
changes curvature of cornea for vision correction.
laser trabeculodissection: (Oph) LTD; for glaucoma.
Lasertrolysis: (Derm) trademarked name for hair removal using the EpiLaser.
LaserTweezers: brand name for optical trapping device; uses pressure
of laser to isolate particles of cells and move them.
laser welding: sutureless
tissue closure.
Lasette:
(Device) laser device used for blood sampling, helps
to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Lash
technique: (Ob/GYN).
LASIK: (Oph) laser in situ keratomileusis; laser corneal surgery
for vision correction.
Lasix Renal Scan:
(Radio) series of pictures of
urinary system.
L-asparaginase: enzyme used
to treat acute lymphatic leukemia.
Lassa
fever: (Infectious Disease) highly virulent disease, hemorrhagic fever, from
Lassoe wire: (Plastic Surgery)
LASTAC laser
system: (Cardio) laser-enhanced
angioplasty in coronary arteries.
last shoes: (Podiatry) as in “straight last shoes” ; a “last”
is the basic form or mold of the
foot, over which a shoe is
shaped.
latanoprost: (Rx) generic for Xalatan ophthalmic solution.
Latarget,
nerve of: (Anatomy) stomach.
Latarget, vein of:
(Anatomy) vena prepylorica.
late luteal phase dysphoric disorder: (GYN) LLPDD;
most debilitating form of PMS.
lateral collateral ligaments (LCL):
(Anatomy) ankle.
lateral hypopharyngeal pouches: (ENT)
LHPs, protrusions seen on swallowing on radiological
studies.
lateral mammillary nucleus of Rose: (Neuro)
latissimus dorsi muscle: (Anatomy) back.
latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap: (Procedure)
method of breast augmentation.
LATS hormone: long-acting thyroid-stimulating hormone.
lattice retinal degeneration: (Ophth) sharply demarcated circumferential lesions,
may lead to retinal detachment.
Latzko vesicovaginal fistula repair: (Gyn/Uro) technique to close this defect (opening between
bladder and vagina).
Latzko
cesarean section: (
Lauenstein
projection:
(X-ray) hip.
Launois-Cleret syndrome: (Endo).delayed puberty, hypogonadism, obesity;
mostly in males; aka, Froelich syndrome.
LAUP: (ENT) laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty; for
sleep apnea.
Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome: hereditary,
includes obesity, retinitis pigmentosa, mental retardation, polydactyly, and
hypogonadism.
Laurer forceps:
(Instrument)
Laurin
view:
(X-ray) knee.
Lazarus-Nelson technique: (GI) for peritoneal lavage that may be adapted for creating a
pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopy.
lazeroids: (Neuro) in cerebral hypoxia, ischemia.
LazerSmile: (Dental)
tooth whitening gel used with TwiLite laser.
lazy Z or lazy S or lazy H incision: (Surgery)
lazy leukocyte syndrome:
LLS; causes pyogenic conditions.
L-Carnitine: (Nutrition) OTC dietary supplement used for mental alertness and
energy as well as to improve liver and heart health.
LCS: laser correlational spectroscopy; see above.
LDF: laser Doppler flowmetry; see above.
LDL cholesterol: low density lipoprotein, also called “bad” portion of cholesterol,
normal under 160.
LDL Direct: (Lab)
test for LDL cholesterol, can be performed nonfasting,
does not require triglyceride measurement.
LDS or LDA stapler: (Instrument)
lead line: metaphysis
of bones and blue line in gums from lead poisoning.
Leadbetter
maneuver: epiphysis
Leadbetter-Politano
operation: (Uro)
ureterovesicoplasty, submucosal tunnel technique.
LeadCare system: device that detects elevated lead levels in blood
by fingerstick.
lead line: a blue line observed on gums in lead poisoning
patients.
lead pipe fracture: (Ortho) cortex of bone is compressed, bulges
on one side with slight crack in opposite side, usually forearm.
lead-pipe muscle rigidity: (Neuro) hypertonicity sometimes seen in Parkinson disease.
leaky capillary syndrome:
(Hem) usually following
shock, blood loss, or respiratory distress.
leaky gut syndrome: (GI)
intestinal permeability, allows toxic material to be absorbed through
intestinal wall.
Lea’s Shield: (GYN) barrier contraceptive device, covers the
cervix.
leather-bottle
stomach: (GI) a gastric carcinoma; tumor is hard and stomach
wall becomes thick, rigid, also
called linitis plastica.
Le Bag reservoir:
(Uro)
ileocolic urinary reservoir for urinary diversion in total cystectomy patients.
Leber disease:
(Oph)
hereditary optic atrophy occurring in young men; pronounced “lay-ber”; also Leber
hereditary optic neuropathy.
Leber miliary aneurysm: (Ophth)
usually diagnosed between 18 months and 18 years old, more males than females;
a loss of vision, dilated capillaries, aneurysm, telangiectasias of the retina,
little or no hemorrhage.
Lebsche
knife: (Instrument) used to enter
sternum quickly.
lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio: (
Leclercia adecarboxylata:
(Biology) species
of Enterobacteria.
LeCompte
operation: (Cardio) ventricular arterial/septal defect repair.
lectinophagocytosis / lectinophagocytic:
(Inf Dis) defense against
saprophytic or opportunistic microorganism.
Leder stain: (Lab)
chloracetate esterase; used in identifying granulocytic sarcoma by
differentiation from
lymphoma.
LeDuc
anastomosis: (Uro) used for urinary
diversion procedures.
LeDuc-Camey
ileocystoplasty: (Uro) antireflux
reimplantation of ureters for patients with bladder cancer.
Leeds-Keio ligament
prosthesis: polyester mesh tube fixed to bone at each end, new
tissue forms around it.
LEEP: (OB-GYN/Procedure) loop electrosurgical excision procedure; treatment for precancerous
lesions of
the cervix.
LEEP: (Pulmonary) left end-expiratory pressure.
LeeSpec: (Instrument) vaginal speculum.
Leeuwenhoek: inventor of microscope.
leflunomide: (Rx) generic for Arava; drug for rheumatoid
arthritis, and studied for use as an antirejection drug and antineoplastic.
LeFort
colpocleisis: (GYN) for uterine/vaginal prolapse in women
who still have a uterus.
Le Fort fracture (1, 2, 3...): (Ortho) Le Fort 2 fracture is pyramidal fracture of maxilla, Le Fort 3 is craniofacial disjunction and transverse
fracture (Note the style here, according to Stedman’s 2004, there is a space
between Le and Fort; however, most other references
do not have this space present).
LeFort repair:
(Uro)
for uterine prolapse repair, see LeFort colpocleisis above.
left end-expiratory pressure: (Pulm) LEEP.
Legg-Calve-Perthes
disease: (Ortho) osteonecrosis of upper femur, hip.
Legionella: (Biology)
organism causing human pneumonia; species include L. bozemanii, L. dumoffii, L.
feeleii, L. gormanii, L.wadsworthii, etc.
Legionella
pneumophila: (Biology) organism responsible for causing legionnaires’ disease.
Legionella urinary antigen: (Lab) LUA ELISA test; diagnosis of past/current legionnaires’
disease.
legionnaires’ disease:
(Pulm) pulmonary form of legionellosis, result of
infection with Legionella pneumophila; named for the 1976 American Legion
convention, where a mass infection was found to have taken place (CDC info) .
Leibinger
Profyle system: (Ortho) internal fixation for hand fractures; also Leibinger Micro
Dynamic Mesh, titanium mesh used to stabilize facial fractures.
Leinbach
prosthesis, screw: (Ortho) for intertrochanteric fractures.
leiomyoma: (Onc) plural is leiomyomata; benign neoplasm of smooth
muscle.
Leishmania denovani: (Lab)
parasite found in GI tract, especially in AIDS patients, causing leishmaniasis.
leishmaniasis: (GI) parasitic infection of GI tract.
Leiske
Optiflex lens: ?
Leiter International Performance Scale and Arthur
Adaptation: intelligence/developmental testing for ages 2-18
years of age.
Lejeune syndrome:
(Genetics) aka, cri du chat syndrome; chromosomal abnormality causing
mental retardation and deformities along with a symptom of a very distinctive,
high-pitched, cat-like whine.
Lejour-type technique: (Plastics)
modified breast reduction technique utilizing vertical scar, reduces scarring.
Leksell
stereotaxic frame: (Equip) used
to place electrodes.
Leland
tonsil knife: ( Instrument)
LeMaitre
catheter: biliary catheter used for removal of stones and
debris.
LeMaitre Glow ‘N Tell tape: (Vascular)
radiopaque tape with measurement markings on it, placed on leg, pinpoints saphenous
branches; for grafts.
Lem-Blay circumcision clamp: ?
Lemoine eye
implant: (Ophth)
lemon sign: concave deformity of fetal
frontal bones, seen in Arnold-Chiari malformation (Vera Pyle, 8th
Ed.).
Lempert
incision: (ENT) radical tympanoplasty.
Lempert
knife: (Instrument)
Lempert
suture:
(ENT)
Lenke classification:
of adolescent idiopathic
scoliosis
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: (Neuro) mixed seizure disorder.
Lenox Hill
brace: (Ortho) knee brace.
lenses,
types of intraocular: AcrySof lens, Adaptar contact, Alcon MA 60, AMO Array, Bagolini, Baron, BioComFold foldable, CeeOn heparinized, Cilco Slant, Coburn
equiconex, Collamer foldable, Dulaney implant,
etafilcon A, Galand disc, Goldmann, Hoskins nylon,
Hruby, Hydroview, Iolab, Karickhoff, Leiske,
Lieb-Guerry implant, Mainster, MemoryLens, Monoflex,
Paragon CRT, PC-IOL, Pearce Tripod, PhacoFlex, PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), Prokop, RGP (rigid gas permeable), Sauflon PW, SeeQuence, The Sensar, Silsoft extended wear, SinuScope, Slant, Staar,
STAAR Toric, T lens, Toric intraocular, The Unfolder, Volk Pan Retinal, Volk QuadrAspheric, Volk SuperPupil,
Worst gonioprism, etc.
lens lasso: (Ophth) for repositioning
dislocated posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL).
lens-sparing external beam radiation therapy: LSRT, treatment for diffuse
choroidal hemangiomas.
lente (complex) carbohydrate: (Nutrition)
foods which cause a slow, sustained glycemic response; sometimes advised for
diabetics to control blood sugars without medication.
Lente
Iletin II: (Pharm) pork
insulin.
Lente insulin: (Pharm) insulin zinc suspension; treatment for diabetes.
lenticular nuclear sclerosis:
(Ophth)
senile eye changes.
lenticular process: (ENT) in ear, incus.
lentigines : (Derm) plural
of lentigo; benign brown macule resembling a freckle, with regular borders.
lentigo of
lentivirus: (Inf
Dis) a retrovirus;
HIV1 and 2 are types.
Leonard
catheter: (Equip) central venous.
Leonard
deep forceps: (
Instrument)
Leone
procedure:
(Ophth) ?
LEOPARD
syndrome: acronym for multiple
lentigines, EKG conduction abnormalities, ocular hypertelorism, pulmonic
stenosis, abnormal genitalia, retardation of growth, and sensorineural defects.
L’Episcopo
Zachary procedure: (Ortho) shoulder
lepirudin: (Rx) generic for Rufludan injection; anticoagulant.
Lepper-Trier
formula: (Ophth) for calculating depth
of anterior chamber.
leptomeninges/ leptomeningitis/ leptomeningopathy: (Neuro)
inner 2 membranes covering brain and spinal cord; inflammation or disease
process of same.
Lequesne
index: (Ortho) a pain score index.
Leriche syndrome:
(Vascular/GU) aortoiliac
occlusive disease.
Lermans-Means scratch:
(Cardio) systolic grating
sound or rub.
LESA: (GI) lower esophageal
sphincter augmentation procedure.
Lesch-Nyhan syndrome:
(Hem)
hereditary hyperuricemia.
Lescol,
Lescol XL: (Rx) cholesterol lowering
medication.
LESI: (Therapy)
lumbar epidural steroid injection, for back pain.
LES incompetence:
(GI) lower esophageal
sphincter incompetence; can cause severe esophagitis.
lesions, types of:
Antopol-Goldman, bull’s eye,
cyclops, dendritic, DREZ, Essex-Lopresti, frondy,
herald patch, high-grade squamous intraepithelial (HGSIL), Janeway, jet, Lynch and Crues type 2, macro-orchidism, phylctenule,
pinguecula, satellite, shagreen, SLAP, squamous intraepithelial (SIL),
synchronous airway lesions, target.
Lessina-21, -28:
(Rx) birth control pills [FDA 2002].
Lester
Martin modification (of Duhamel procedure): treatment for Hirschprung disease.
LET: topical
anesthetic containing Lidocaine-epinephrine-Tetracaine.
Letournel
approach: (Ortho)
pelvis and acetabular fracture repair.
letrozole : (Rx) used after tamoxifen
for breast cancer; also for infertility treatment.
Letterer-Siwe
disease: multisystem including skin,
bone, pulmonary, CNS, endocrine, and hepatosplenomegaly.
leucovorin: (Rx) used
to treat some types of cancers, hematologic disorders.
leucovorin calcium: (Rx) treatment of megaloblastic anemias due to folic
acid deficiency.
leucovorin rescue: (Onc/Pharm) to
decrease toxicity of folic acid antagonist chemotherapy drugs; rescues normal
cells from toxic effects of chemo; also called folinic acid rescue.
leukapheresis: (Hem) selective removal of leukocytes from blood,
with remainder of blood retransfused.
leukemia: (Hem/Onc)
types include acute lymphoblastic, lymphocytic,
myelogenous, myeloid, nonlymphocytic, hairy-cell,
refractory, smoldering.
leukemia,
classifications: FAB, M1 = myeloblastic, no differentiation- to FAB, M6 = erythroleukemia.
leukemia inhibitory
factor: (Lab) LIF.
Leukine:
(Rx) generic = sargramostine;
for chemotherapy patients with depressed cell counts.
leukoaraiosis: (Neuro) age-related white matter degeneration.
leukocyte alkaline
phosphatase test: (Lab) LAP.
leukocyte
esterase: (Lab) test of urine for WBCs, signs of infection;
AKA, WBC esterase.
leukocyte-poor red
cells: (Lab) RBCs having most of
the leukocytes removed by saline washing or
centrifuge.
leukocytoclastic vasculitis: characterized by palpable purpura, especially
of legs.
leukointegrins: (Lab) cell surface
adhesion proteins, only expressed on white blood cells.
leukoma: (NOT
“leucoma”) dense white opacity of cornea.
LeukoScan: (Radio) an infectious disease imaging agent.
Leukostix: (Lab) test for Helicobacter pylori, rapid leukocyte
strip test.
leukotriene B4: an
inflammatory mediator.
leukotriene receptor
antagonist: (Pharm) allergy
medication classification.
leukovirus: (Onc) RNA virus causing some leukemias and tumors.
leupeptin: used
during microsurgical repair of peripheral nerves.
leuprolide
acetate: (Rx) generic for Eligard,
treatment for prostate CA (2002).
LeuTech: (Radio)
imaging agent for diagnosis appendicitis.
Leuvectin: (Onc) an experimental gene therapy in clinical trials as a
cancer treatment (2002).
Levall: OTC
antihistamine and cough suppressant.
levamisole: (Rx) generic for Ergamisol; adjuvant chemotherapy
agent (FDA).
Levaquin: (Rx) generic = levofloxacin; antibiotic.
levator aponeurosis:
usually speaking of the eye.
levator check ligament: (Anatomy) support eyelid.
levator recession/resection: (Ophth/Proc) especially
done for eyelid retraction repair.
LeVeen
peritoneal shunt, valve: (Equip) used to transport ascitic fluid from
the abdomen via the jugular vein to superior vena cava.
levetiracetam: (Rx) generic for Keppra; drug for epilepsy.
Levitra: (Rx)
generic = vardenafil; newest drug since Viagra for treatment of erectile
dysfunction (2003).
Levitt eye
implant: (Ophth)
Levlite: (Rx) ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel; birth control
pills.
levo : left.
levobupivacaine: (Rx) long-acting local anesthetic, injection.
levocabastine HCI: (Rx)
generic for Livostin; antihistamine eye drops.
levonorgesterel: (Rx) generic contraceptive.
levodopa-carbidopa: (Rx) generic for Sinemet; for Parkinson disease; AKA,
carbidopa-levodopa.
levorotatory scoliosis: twisted left or leftward.
Levo-T: (Rx)
levothyroxine; drug for hypothyroidism.
levothyroxine: (Rx) generic drug for hypothyroidism.
Levovist: (Radio) ultrasound contrast media for
echocardiography.
Levoxyl: (Rx) generic = levothyroxine; drug for
hypothyroidism.
Levulan Kerastick: (Derm)
used to apply aminolevulinic acid to actinic keratoses, followed by irradiation
with BLU-U blue light.
Levulan photodynamic therapy: (Derm)
topical solution for treatment of actinic keratoses on face and scalp, also for
CIN treatment.
Lewin splint: (Ortho) for fingers.
Lewis blood antibody type: (Lab)
a factor in agglutination.
Lewis lead:
(Cardio)
on ECG.
Lewis
Pair-Pak needle: (Ophth) for intraocular surgery, device includes needle with double-armed
suture.
Lewis rasp: (Instrument)
Lewis-Tanner procedure: (ENT) subtotal
esophagectomy and reconstruction.
Lewis disease:
(Cardio) congenital upper
limb cardiovascular disease.
Lewy bodies: (Neuro) abnormality in brain, marker for Parkinson
disease and other neurologic conditions including Alzheimer disease; Lewy body dementia.
Lewy
laryngoscope: (Equip)
Lexiva: (Rx) generic – fosamprevanir
calcium; for HIV infection (2004).
Lexxel: (Rx) generic = enalapril maleate/felodipine, for
hypertension (2002).
Leydig cells: (Lab) endocrine cells of testis, produce
testosterone.
Leyla
retractor:
(Neuro) used in neurosurgery.
Lezak Malingering Test:
(Psych)
LFT: (Lab) see liver function tests.
LGSIL:
(OB-GYN) low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; cell changes seen on Pap
smear; formerly called
CIN1 or mild dysplasia.
LGL syndrome (Cardio):
Lown-Garong-Levine syndrome.
L’hermitte or
Lhermitte sign: lightning-like
sensations down back on neck flexion.
Lhermitte-Duclos
disease: (Neuro) dysplastic gangliocytoma of cerebellum,
benign mass lesion.
LHMT: low-range
heparin management test, used primarily in cardiology.
LHPs: (ENT) lateral
hypopharyngeal pouches; protrusions seen on swallowing on radiological studies.
LHRH: (Lab) luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone; also
known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
Liazal: (Rx) generic = liarozole fumarate; treatment of metatstatic
prostate cancer when hormonal treatments
have failed.
Liberte
Monorail: (Cardio) brand name coronary stent.
Liberty One splint: (Ortho)
ambidextrous wrist splint.
Libman-Sacks endocarditis: associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
LICA: (Ortho)
laser image custom arthroplasty.
lichen: (Derm) a group of skin conditions, a few of which
follow, search Stedman’s for a longer list.
lichen planus: (Derm) common skin disorder
involving itchy pink or purple spots on skin, very often triggered by a drug.
lichen sclerosus et atrophicus: (Derm)
flat, white, hardened papules with central hair follicles, often including a
dark keratotic plug in the center
lichen simplex chronicus:
(Derm)
thickening of the skin due to chronic itching and scratching
lichen striatus:
(Derm) a skin condition involving linear dermatosis, occurring mostly in
children.
Lich-Gregoire repair:
(Surgery) in kidney
transplant surgery.
Lich technique:
(Uro)
for ureteral implantation.
Lichtenberg
corneal trephine: (Instrument)
Lichtenstein repair:
(GI) hernia repair, tension
free technique.
Lichtwicz needle:
(Instrument) used for ENT procedures mostly.
Licox monitoring device:
(Equip) brain, oxygen and temperature monitor.
Liddle
syndrome: familial hypokalemia and hypertension.
lid lag: (Ophth)
abnormally sluggish movement of the upper eyelid, commonly seen in thyroid
disease.
lid margin vascular dilation: Ophthalmology phrase.
Lidoderm patch: (Rx) generic = lidocaine 5%; treatment for postherpetic neuralgia, pain.
lidofilcon A: glucose-permeable
hydrogel.
LidoSite: (Rx)
Lidocaine/epinephrine patch.
lie: (OB-GYN)
As an OB term, lie refers to the relative position of the fetus to the mother;
as in “longitudinal lie”
or “transverse lie”.
Lieberman proctoscope: (Equip)
Lieb-Guerry lens:
(Ophth) cataract implant.
Liebolt
procedure: (Ortho) regarding the
radioulnar joint.
lienocolic: pertaining to spleen and colon.
lienorenal ligament: splenorenal ligament.
lieu of, in:
phrase meaning “instead of”; pronounced as “in loo
of”.
Lieutaud
body: (Uro) trigone of bladder.
LIF: (Abbrev)
Two possible meanings: (Lab) leukemia inhibitory factor; or (Ortho) lumbar
interbody fusion.
LifeGuide system: (Endo) blood glucose monitor.
Life-Pack 5: (Device)
cardiac monitor.
LifeScan: a medical
products company.
LifeShirt: (Note- As of 2002, not yet FDA approved) vest-like device
worn to collect daily vital signs.
LifeSite
hemodialysis access system: (Device) valve implanted below skin to decrease pain
of repeated needlesticks.
LifeView Care
Station: Doctor can monitor patients
via telephone lines with audio/video capability.
L-IFN: lymphblastoid interferon.
Li-Fraumeni
syndrome: (Oncology) LFS, carriers of this syndrome are believed predisposed to
certain
cancers.
LiftMate: (Equip) brand of patient transfer device.
lift-off test: (Ortho)
to assess subscapularis muscle tear, shoulder.
LIFT technique:
(Plastic Surgery)
laser-assisted internal fabrication; breast plastic surgery technique.
Ligaclip: (Surgery) hemoclip, used in minimally invasive
procedures.
ligamentous ankylosis: stiffening or a ligament.
ligamentum flavum: (Anatomy) yellowish ligament between laminae.
ligamentum teres femoris:
(Anatomy) ligament of head of
femur.
ligamentum teres hepatis:
(Anatomy) round ligament of
liver.
ligamentum teres uteri:
(Anatomy) round ligament of uterus.
ligamentum teres
cardiopexy: (Procedure) also called esophageal sling procedure;
used to avoid
complications associated
with total fundoplication (Source: Pyle, 8th Ed, Medical Terminology
2003).
ligase chain
reaction: (Lab) to detect DNA/RNA sequence in specimens.
LigaSure: vessel
sealing system.
light bulb sign: (X-ray) internally rotated humeral head appears in
a symmetrical light bulb shape at the top of
the humeral shaft.
light-chain
deposition: disease process occurring in patients with
immunoproliferative disorder; may also hear kappa light chain, lambda
light chain,
free light chain, bound light chain.
light reflection rheography: to
detect DVT using near-infrared light.
light reflex: (Ophth) constriction of the pupil in response to
light striking retina, the manner in which the light
reflects provides clues to
any abnormalities of the mucosa, part of eye examination.
light-headedness or
lightheadedness: either spelling acceptable;
feeling of faintness.
LightSheer
laser: (Derm) for cosmetic
applications (2002).
Lightstic 180, 360: (Equip) fiberoptic laser, destroys diseased tissues.
Light Talker: (Device) communication device for patients who cannot speak.
lignans:
(Plants) substances in vegetables
found in some studies to prevent endometrial cancer (2003).
Likert
scale:
(Neuro) for
evaluating discomfort
Likoff Cardiovascular Institute: (Place)
LILI: low-intensity laser irradiation.
Liliequist
membrane:
(Neuro) located near pituitary gland and stalk.
Lillehei pacemaker:
(Cardio)
Lillehei-Kaster
prosthesis: (Cardio) heart valve
Lilliput machine:
(Equip)
neonatal oxygenator.
LILT: low-intensity laser therapy.
LIMA graft: (Cardio) left inferior mammary artery; note that
this may be dictated as “patient had a LIMA” or may say “patient had a LIMAG”.
limb salvage: procedure done in hopes of preventing amputation.
limb-girdle dystrophy: type of muscular dystrophy.
limbal groove: (Ophth)
limbic suture,
system: (Neuro) area of the brain
associated with control of emotion, eating, drinking, and sexual
activity.
limbus corneae: (Anatomy) edge of cornea, where it joins to sclera.
limbus annulare: mass of bone situated at anterosuperior
margin of vertebrae.
Limitrol, Limitrol-DM: (Homeopathy) OTC natural source of dietary fiber
containing fenugreek, also said to be
helpful to diabetic
patients.
Limitrol-Lite pudding: (Homeopathy) OTC product, said to reduce
cholesterol.
LINAC (or linac) radiosurgery:
(Neuro) a new term coined as
an acronym for linear accelerator; seen in
references as all caps or
lower case as a word, it is becoming more acceptable (i.e., as the words radar
and
laser became words in the
past, were initially acronyms!).
Linatrix suture: (GI)
nonabsorbable flax.
Lincoff eye
implant: (Ophth)
Linde
Walker Oxygen system: (Equip)
ambulatory oxygen.
Lindeman
procedure: knee
Lindholm operating laryngoscope: (Equip)
Lindholm
procedure: Achilles tendon
Lindorf screws: lag or position screws, used in osteotomy.
Lindsay nails: (Derm) half and half nails, the half near nail tip appears pink or
brown, while half near cuticle
looks white.
Lindseth modified technique: (Ortho)
treatment of spinal deformities.
line of Toldt (white): (Anatomy) peritoneal area.
line of Zahn: (Hematology) phenomenon of layering fibrin and RBCs in a clot.
line imaging: MRI phrase.
line scanning: MRI phrase.
line width: MRI phrase.
linear accelerator radiography: LINAC/linac; used to
eradicate tumor tissue; the acronym is becoming widely accepted as a word
(2002).
linear analogue pain scale: (Neuro) for
assessing pain.
Linear Clinac 2500 accelerator:
(Equip) radiation therapy
linezolid: (Rx) antibacterial/antibiotic (oxazolidinone class), generic for Zyvox.
lingoscope: (Device) used to visualize base of tongue and
tonsils.
lingual tonsils: (ENT)
lymphoid follicles on posterior portion, dorsum of tongue.
linguine sign: (Plastics) on MRI, classic sign of silicone breast
implant rupture, appears as multiple wavy lines.
linitis plastica: (GI) leather-bottle stomach; a gastric carcinoma.
Link hip prosthesis:
(Ortho) cementless
reconstruction prosthesis.
Link Endo-Model prosthesis: (Ortho)
total knee replacement.
Link Stack Split Splint: (Ortho)
finger splint with split down the middle for ease in application/removal.
Linton
procedure: (Vascular) vein stripping
Linton
stocking: supportive.
Linvotec screw: (Ortho) for knee arthroscopy.
Linvatec microdebrider: (Device/ENT)
used for sinonasal tract surgery. (Note the spellings of Linvotec
and Linvatec; according to Vera Pyle and her 8th Ed Medical
Terminology book, these are not the same company).
lion jaw tenaculum:
(Instrument)
lip lift: (Procedure) plastic surgery procedure.
lipedema: chronic swelling usually in lower extremities,
usually a problem for middle-aged women
(Stedman’s).
lipemia retinalis:
(Ophth) milky-appearing retinal veins and arteries.
LIPID Study:
(Trial) acronym for long-term intervention with pravastatin in ischemic
disease, 1998.
lipid-associated
sialic acid: (Lab) LASA, marker in serum
assays for GYN malignancies.
lipoic acid, alpha:
naturally-produced antioxidant.
lipoidosis of Lubarsch: ?
lipoma: fatty tumor; plural is acceptable as either lipomas or lipomata.
LipoProfile: (Lab) aka, NMR LipoProfile; test to determine risk of
heart disease.
lipoprotein (a): (Lab) Note: type it just like that; marker for
heart disease.
lipoprotein lipase deficiency: (Hem) type 1 hyperlipidemia.
lipotransfer: (Plastics)
liposuction technique.
Liprostin:
(Vascular) treatment for critical limb ischemia (due to circulation problems).
liquid biopsy: (Pulm) bronchoalveolar lavage.
Liquiderm:
OTC liquid adhesive bandage (manufacturer spells it “LIQUIDERM”, but either way
is acceptable).
liquid-scintillation spectrometer: (Radio)
Liquifilm: OTC eye drops.
Liquiprin: OTC liquid acetaminophen for pain relief.
LiquiShield-S: (Derm) liquid skin protectant for unbroken skin,
prevents irritation.
LiquiVent: (Rx)
generic = perflubron; liquid intrapulmonary ventilating agent, delivered
directly to lungs for
acute respiratory failure.
Lisch
spots:
(Ophth) nodules on iris.
Lisfranc
fracture: foot
Lisfranc
dislocation:
ankle
Lisfranc
joint: tarsometatarsal
Lisfranc ligament: secures second metatarsal to the middle cuneiform.
Lispro
insulin:
aka, Humalog; rapid acting.
list: meaning to lean to one side; as in a “listing
gait”, or “lists to the left”.
Lister
conjunctival forceps: (Instrument)
Lister
tubercle: (Anatomy) located in
wrist, radius.
Listeria meningitis:
(Infectious Diseases)
bacterial infection seen most often in infants and elderly patients.
Listerine PocketPaks: oral breath freshener strips which dissolve under
tongue (OTC).
lithium carbonate: (Rx) psych drug also used most recently for anemia in
AIDS patients (2002).
lithium-sodium
countertransport in red blood cells:
(Lab) a marker for risk of essential hypertension.
lithiumogenic goiter: caused by lithium therapy.
lithoptysis: spitting up stones.
Lithospec
intracorporeal lithotripter:
(Device) used to crush bladder, ureteral, and renal stones.
Lithostar:
brand name dry lithotripter; shock wave is delivered through air rather than a
bath.
lithotripter: device
using shock waves to break up stones (not capitalized).
lithotrite: device
to grasp and crush large bladder stones.
litmus test: (Lab) for acidity, alkalinity.
Little Leaguer’s elbow/shoulder: epicondylitis from repetitive motion, especially
throwing; also called Little
League elbow or pitcher’s elbow.
Littman
Classic 2 Pediatric and Infant stethoscopes: (Instruments).
littoral cell angioma:
(Onc)
benign vascular tumor unique to spleen.
Littre, glands of: (GU) in distal urethra of males.
livedo reticularis:
(Derm) purplish spots on skin, prominent in cold.
live flesh: term referring to multiple fasciculations, muscle
twitches.
liver flap: (Condition) flapping tremor of hands, seen often in
liver failure.
liver function tests:
(Lab) LFTs, include ALT, AST,
alkaline phosphatase, GGT, bilirubin, albumin, PT, platelets, serum protein
electrophoresis.
Livernois forceps:
(Ophth) used for inserting
intraocular lenses.
Livernois-McDonald
forceps:
(Ophth) used in eye surgeries.
liver palms: (Symptom) intense redness of hypothenar, thenar
eminences, suggests cirrhosis of the liver.
liver panel plus 9:
(Lab) measures hepatic
function
liver spots: (Derm) pigment changes of aging skin, particularly
on hands.
Livewire TC Compass
ablation catheter: used to locate
and ablate areas that may trigger arrhythmias
[2001].
living-related donor: (Transplant) part of organ (liver) donated
from a living donor.
Living Water Eye Lotion: OTC
saline solution, eye lubricant.
Llorente dissecting forceps: (Instrument)
used in laparoscopies.
Lloyd-Davies
stirrups: (GYN) used in
laparoscopies.
Lloyd-Roberts
procedure: (Pod) for clubfoot
LMA: (Anesthesia) laryngeal mask airway
, device which helps patient breathe while under general anesthesia.
loading/loads: force applied to an object; functional, tensile.
loading dose: (Pharm)
initial dose of medication, which is usually large in order to reach effective
blood
levels of the drug
quicker.
load, viral: (Infectious
Diseases/Lab) plasma level of viral RNA.
loath: reluctant, unwilling, as in “The patient was loath
to undertake surgery at this time because of her fear of dying.” See loathe below to avoid confusing the two.
loathe: hate, despise, dislike
intensely, as in “The child began to loathe the doctor’s office after so many
ear infections.”
lobster claw deformity: of the
hand
Localio
procedure: for sacral tumor.
localizing neurologic signs:
also called focal neuro
signs; indicate location of lesion or problem.
Locke clamp: used in podiatry.
Locke
Marital Questionnaire: (Psych/Counseling) relating to marital
satisfaction
Locke-Wallace
Marital Adjustment Test:
(Psych/Counseling) used in marital counseling.
locked-in syndrome:
(Neuro) global aphasia.
Lockwood-Allis
forceps: (Instruments)
Locoid Lipocream: (Rx) contains hydrocortisone; antipruritic topical
cream.
LoCon-T plate: (Ortho) for distal radial fractures.
locoweed: (Horticulture) a poisonous plant; also called thorn
apple or Jimson weed.
Loc-Sure
drain: for percutaneous drainage of cysts and abscesses,
also pleural effusions and ascites.
locus of HLA: (Lab)
human leukocyte antigen; each locus (A, B, C, D, or DR) contains multiple
alleles, which
should be typed this
way: HLA-C8, HLA-DR2,
etc.
lodenosine: (Rx)
for treatment of HIV.
Loeffler
stain: (Lab) for flagella
Loeffler
blood culture: (Lab) stain for Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Loestrin: (Rx) oral contraceptive pill; also Loestrin 1/20 Fe.
Löffler
syndrome: eosinophilic pneumonitis, also
called Loffler endocarditis, also Loeffler syndrome.
Lofgren syndrome: fever, arthralgia, erythema nodosum, uveitis.
Lofibra: (Rx) generic = fenofibrate; cholesterol lowering
drug.
Lofstrand
crutches: (PT/Equip) metal crutches
with wrist cuffs and hand grips, assistive devices.
log-linear modeling: (Statistics)
log rank test:
(Statistics)
Logan bow: (Plastic Surgery) used to
protect a fresh cleft lip repair.
logorrhea: copious flow of talk, often incoherent.
logy: meaning sluggish, lethargic, seldom-used word still
appearing in American Heritage dictionary.
Lone Star
retractor: star-shaped instrument, used for anal surgeries.
long-echo-train
fast spin-echo sequence: MRI phrase.
long nerve of
long QT syndrome:
(Cardio) on EKG, long QT intervals, may
be a prelude to arrhythmias.
long taper/stiff shafted Glidewire: (Cardio) used
in coronary artery imaging.
long-term nonprogressors: (Inf Dis)
a phrase to indicate HIV patients with
at least 10 years of seropositivity and without T-cell depletion, having had no
treatment.
long tract signs: (Neuro) neurologic diagnostic signs; main spinal nerve fibers connecting spinal
cord and brain.
long TR/TE: MRI phrase.
longitudinal arch supports: (Pod) to support arch of foot.
longitudinal melanonychia:
(Derm) mole-like lesion of
nail matrix, mimics malignant melanoma.
Longmire
operation: (GI) for biliary obstruction.
Longo hemorrhoidectomy: (Surgery) surgical technique.
longus colli muscle: (Anatomy) vertebral bodies and transverse processes.
loop electrosurgical excision procedure: (GYN) LEEP;
treatment for precancerous lesions of the cervix.
Loose
procedure:
knee
Looser
zones: linear radiolucencies caused
by osteomalacia.
LoPiccolo Multiaxial
Problem-Oriented System: for sexual dysfunction.
lopinavir/ritonavir: (Rx)
generic combo for Kaletra; for HIV.
LoPresti
fiberoptic esophagoscope: (Equip)
loquacious/loquacity: to speak.
loracarbef: (Rx) generic for Lorabid; antibiotic.
LORAD mammography:
(Radio) low radiation.
loratadine: (Rx) generic for Claritin; antihistamine.
Lorcet: (Rx) generic = hydrocodone/APAP; narcotic analgesic.
Lord
procedure: (Uro)
hydrocelectomy
Lord
prosthesis: (Ortho) total hip.
Lordan
chalazion forceps: ( Instrument)
lordoscoliosis: backward lateral curvature of spine.
Lore
forceps: (Instrument)
Lorentzian line:
MRI term.
Lorenz
brace: (Ortho) frogleg position.
Lorenz sign: an old phrase meaning stiffness in the thoracic
spine in early TB.
Lorenzo
screw: bone fixation.
LoRider prosthetic foot: (Pod) slim profile.
Lortat-Jacob hepatic resection: (Procedure)
to gain vascular control prior to liver resection.
losartan potassium HCI: (Rx)
generic for Hyzaar, for hypertension.
Losee
procedure: (Ortho) knee
Lotemax 0.5%:
(Rx) generic = loteprednol etabonate; topical steroid for postoperative eye
inflammation.
Lotensin: (Rx)
generic = benazepril; ACE inhibitor, drug for hypertension.
loteprednol
etabonate: (Rx) generic for Lotemax; ophthalmic steroid.
Lotheissen
hernia repair: inguinal approach.
Lotrel: (Rx) generic = benazepril and amlodipine; drug for
hypertension.
Lotrimin,
Lotrimin Ultra cream: (Rx) generic =
clotrimazole; antifungal medication.
Lotronex:
No longer available, removed from market in 2000 because of intestinal
damage and bowel
ruptures from
severe constipation. It was used to treat irritable
bowel syndrome.
lottery fantasy syndrome: (Psych) When an individual thinks he/she will win
the lottery for sure, but never
does, results in
depression.
Lottes
nail, pin: for tibial fracture.
Lott-Hayton equation:
to correct serum creatinine for age.
Lou Gehrig
disease: amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS).
Louis-Bar syndrome:
ataxia telangiectasia.
Lovaas program: behavioral modification program for autism.
lovastatin XL: (Rx) generic Altocor, for
cholesterol lowering.
Love nasal
splint: ( Instrument)
Lovelace
forceps: (Instrument)
Lovenox: (Rx) generic = enoxaparin sodium,
injection; low molecular-weight heparin; treatment and
prevention of DVT and
prevent myocardial infarctions when used with aspirin.
Lovibond
angle: (Anatomy) where fingernail meets finger; angle is
over 180 degrees in clubbing of fingers.
low anterior resection with coloanal anastomosis: for primary
rectal cancer, LAR/CAA.
Low-Beers projection:
(Radio) ?
low-dose screen-film technique: (Radio)
designed to provide imaging with less radiation exposure.
LowDye
taping technique: for plantar
fasciitis.
Lowell
glaucoma knife: (Instrument)
low-energy lasers: (Ortho/Sports
Med) LELs, used to promote healing, reduce
pain.
Lowe syndrome:
error in metabolism, results
in mental retardation, cataracts, glaucoma, muscular dystrophy, and renal
tubular defect.
low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions: LGSIL;
findings on Pap smear, cytologic testing for cervical cancer.
low-intensity laser irradiation:
LILI
low-intensity laser therapy:
LILT.
low-intensity pulsed ultrasound:
LIPUS, promotes fracture healing.
Lowman
procedure: (Pod) for flatfeet.
low molecular-weight heparin:
Lown grade: (Cardio) arrhythmias.
Lown-Ganong-Levine
(LGL) syndrome: (Cardio) short P-R interval, short QRS complex, paroxysmal atrial
tachycardia.
Low-Ogestrel-21,
-28: (Rx) emergency contraceptive.
low-range heparin management test: LHMT,
used primarily in cardiology.
low surface reactive bioglass: (Ortho)
bioceramic joint replacement material.
low-tension glaucoma: (Ophth) sudden increase in pressure in eye with
damage to optic nerve.
Lowry technique:
(ENT) method of pressurizing
and opening eustachian tubes.
Lowsley
forceps, retractor: (Instruments)
Loyola
University: (Place) 6525 North
Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL, 60626.
LP: (Abbrev) lumbar puncture
Lp(a): (Lab/Abbrev) abbreviation
for apolipoprotein, cholesterol-carrying protein; found to be a risk factor for
atherosclerosis with a measurement of Lp (a) greater
than 30 mg/dL.
LPI laser
system: (Device/Derm) treatment for
psoriasis (brand name is Laser Photonics, Inc = LPI).
LRTI: low respiratory
tract infection.
LRUT: (Lab/Abbrev) locally made rapid urease test; diagnostic
for Helicobacter pylori.
L/S ratio
(lecithin/sphingomyelin): (OB) test for fetal lung maturity
LSIL: low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.
LSU reciprocation gait orthosis: Louisiana
State University bracing device for patients confined to wheelchair, gives
support to trunk with a system of cables and joint locking devices.
LT-CAGE: (Ortho)
lumbar-tapered fusion device used with INFUSE bone graft in back surgery.
LTK: laser thermal keratoplasty; corrects farsightedness
and presbyopia.
Lubri-Flex
stent: (Uro) urologic stent with
hydrogel coating.
Luc ethmoid
forceps:
(ENT) See also Caldwell-Luc procedure.
Lucas and Cottrell osteotomy: (Ortho)
Lucas and
Murray arthrodesis: (Ortho) knee
lucency: (Noun)
something shining, transparent.
lucent defect: (Radio) abnormal zone of decreased resistance to x-rays; aka,
lucent line.
Lucentis: (Rx) injectable for macular degeneration (wet type).
Luck procedure: Dupuytren contracture release, hallux valgus. [Note- See Caldwell-Luc
procedure–ENT to avoid misspelling]
Ludington test: to determine rupture of long
head of biceps.
Ludloff
procedure: for hallux valgus.
Ludwig
angina: infection of the deep tissues of the neck and floor
of mouth.
Luer
reconstruction plate: (Ortho)
Luer-Lock
syringe: (Instrument)
luetic meningitis: (Neuro) syphilitic.
Lugol
solution, stain: (Lab) iodine
solution.
Lukens
trap: (Instrument) used in plastic surgery.
Lukes-Collins
classification: (Onc) lymphomas.
LULA: laparoscopy
under local anesthesia.
LuMax cystometry:
(GU) to diagnose incontinence and prostate conditions.
lumbar
epidural steroid injection (LESI): for back pain.
lumbar plexus: (Neuro) from the second and fourth lumbar
vertebrae.
lumbar spine: 5 mobile segments of the lower back, abbreviated L1
to L5.
Lumex cane: Lumex sells a whole product line of assistive and
home care equipment.
lumbosacral series: (X-ray) AP, 2 oblique, lateral, and lateral spot of L5 to
S1.
lumbricales manus muscles:
(Anatomy) the 4 lumbrical
muscles of the hand, also called lumbricals.
lumbricales pedis muscles: (Anatomy) the 4 lumbrical
muscles of the feet.
LumenHance: (Radio) MRI
contrast agent, oral GI.
lumiform splint: ?
Lumigan:
(Rx) generic = bimatoprost 0.03%; ocular hypotensive liquid to treat glaucoma.
LUNA:
laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation; procedure to treat pelvic pain.
Lund-Browder burn chart: estimates percentage of body area burned in
children and infants. (See “Rule of
Nines” for more information).
Lundy laryngoscope: (Equip)
Lunelle: (Rx) birth control injection, 28-day.
Lunesta: (Rx)
generic = eszopiclone; sleeping aid drug.
lunula: (Derm) crescent area at base of fingernails; plural =
lunulae.
Lupron Depot:
(Rx) long-acting (16-week) injections for palliative treatment of advanced
prostate cancer.
lupus: (plural =
lupi) group of various skin and
rheumatologic diseases; lupus erythematosus, lupus livedo, lupus pernio, etc.
lupus
anticoagulant: (Lab) abbreviated LAC; associated
with increased risk of thromboembolic disease,
stroke, as well as
spontaneous abortion.
lupus pernio of
Besnier: (Derm) violaceous skin lesions on the nose, cheeks,
ear lobes, and digits, resembling frostbite.
Luque
rod/wire: (Instrument)
Luschka joints : (Rheum) uncovertebral joints.
lusitropic
(relaxation) abnormalities: (Cardio) in congestive heart failure.
Lustra.
Lustra-AF: (Rx) generic = hydroquinone; prescription dermatologic lotion.
luteal phase: (Ob-GYN) portion of
menstrual cycle between ovulation and menses.
lutein cyst: (Ob-GYN) corpus luteum.
lutein and zeaxanthin:
(Nutrition) 2 carotenoids
found in vegetables, studies indicate intake of carotenoids may reduce risk of
macular degeneration and cataracts.
luteinize: meaning to
form luteal tissue.
luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone: LHRH,
polypeptide hormone, also called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).
Lutrin: (Rx)
photosensitizer drug for photodynamic therapy for breast cancer.
Luvox: (Rx) generic = fluoxamine;
drug for depression.
Luxiq foam: (Rx) generic =
betamethasone valerate; topical
treatment of pruritic dermatoses of scalp; www.luxiq.com
luxury perfusion: (Neuro) abnormally increased blood flow to an area of
the brain, causing swelling.
LV strain: (Cardio) abnormal EKG finding.
LV wall: left ventricular wall, composed of anteroseptal,
anterosuperior, posterolateral, inferior (EKG).
LVAD: left ventricular assist device.
LVH strain pattern:
or LVH with strain pattern;
abnormal EKG finding
LVN target: (Neuro) lateral vestibular nucleus.
Lyman-Smith
traction: elbow
LYMErix:
(Rx) Lyme disease vaccine.
lym-1 monoclonal antibody:
used to treated B-cell
lymphoma.
lympharesis: (Hem) removal of peripheral blood lymphocytes.
lymphatic-hematopoietic
malignancies: (Hem/Onc) examples are leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma.
Lymphedema
Alert bracelet: worn on affected arm to prevent treatment that may
induce lymphedema, such
as blood pressure
monitoring, blood draws, injections, etc.
lymphedema praecox: slowly progressive unilateral leg edema, occurs mostly
in young women and girls.
lymphedema tarda:
occurs mostly in middle age.
lymphocytotoxic antibodies: (Hem) antibodies specific to lymphocytes,
combine with antigens to induce cellular damage or death.
lymphogranuloma venereum: LGV, caused by a strain of Chlamydia, also called fifth
venereal disease.
lymphokine-activated killer cells: (Lab/Onc) white blood cells stimulated in a laboratory to kill
tumor cells.
lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: classification of lymphoma.
Lynch syndrome 1: (Onc/Genetics)
familial predisposition to colorectal cancer.
Lynch syndrome 2: (Onc/Genetics)
familial predisposition
to other primary cancers
in addition to colon cancer, usually in the female reproductive organs.
Lynch and Crues Type 2 lesion: (Ortho)
knee, seen on MRI when subchondral plate is interrupted.
Lynco arch
support, orthotic: (Pod) foot arch support.
LYOfoam dressing:
gas permeable.
lyophilized graft:
freeze-dried
Lyra laser:
treats varicose veins and removes hair, pseudofolliculitis. (2002).
lyre-shaped fingers:
regarding prosthetic limbs, especially the hand, refers to hooks on upper limb
prosthesis for motion control.
Lyrelle patch: (Rx) treatment of vasomotor symptoms of menopause, not yet
FDA approved as of 2003.
Lyrica: (Rx)
generic = pregabalin;
med for nerve pain and partial seizures.
Lysholm knee score:
(Ortho) for knee pain,
evaluates 8 areas, including instability, pain, locking, swelling, support,
limp, stairs, squatting.
-lysis: suffix indicating dissolution of tissue, freeing of
adhesions.
Lysodren: (Rx) antineoplastic.
lysoPC: (LAB) Component of normal blood found to have
elevated levels in ovarian cancer patients.
lyssa
inclusion body: found in rabies.
lytic lesion: focal
breakdown of bone.