R

 

R-on-T beats / phenomenon: (Cardio) on EKG, a lethal arrhythmia from prolonged Q-T interval.

 

RAA: (Cardio)  renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, regulates blood pressure.

 

Raaf catheter: (Equip) double lumen, a central venous line.

 

Raaf forceps / spatula / rongeur:  (Instruments)

 

RabAvert:  rabies vaccine for preexposure vaccination as well as postexposure prophylaxis (1997).

 

rabbit ear QRS pattern: (Cardio) on EKG.

 

rabbit ears: (Pulm/Radio) pleural tags seen on x-ray, may indicate bronchioalveolar carcinoma.

 

“rabbiting”: (Slang) a slang term for someone whose nose constantly twitches due to colds, allergies, etc.

 

raccoon eyes: (Symptom) dark discoloration around the eyes or periorbital ecchymosis, seen in basilar skull fractures.

 

rachialgia:  (Neuro) pain in the vertebral column.

 

rachioparalysis: (Neuro) paralysis of the spinal muscles.

 

rachioplegia: (Neuro) spinal paralysis.

 

rachischisis:  (Neuro) congenital opening or fissure of the spinal column.

 

rachitic rosary: referring to a prominent rib cartilage in rickets.

 

Racz catheter:  (Equip) spinal.

 

Racz epidurolysis.

 

RAD: (Abbrev) reactive airway disease; note you will often hear it dictated as “airways”, do not add the “s” when typing it (Stedman’s).

 

rad: (Radio) unit of measurement of the absorbed dose of radiation, 1 rad equals 1/100 of a gray (Gy).

 

radial drift: (Ortho) referring to metacarpals, meaning a gradual movement from original position; also ulnar drift.

 

radial iridotomy:  (Ophth)

 

radial keratotomy (Ophth) surgery to correct nearsightedness, already being replaced by PRK/LASIK procedures (2000).

 

radial tunnel syndrome: (Ortho) elbow pain.

 

Radiance: (OTC)  An OTC brand name vitamin/mineral/herbal combination (1998).

 

radiation synovectomy:  (Ortho) Dysprosium-165 ferric hydroxide macroaggregate (DY-165) injected into the knee to destroy tissue inflamed by rheumatoid arthritis.

 

radiation weighting factor:  (Radio) assessing the dose of absorbed radiation on tissue.

 

radical:   meaning going to the root (i.e., radical mastectomy, radical prostatectomy).

 

radicle:  meaning the smallest branch.

 

radiculopathy: (Neuro) pinched nerve in spine; or inflamed nerve roots due to disc or spinal joint disease.

 

Radiesse:  (Derm) called a derm filler, for facial soft tissue areas, wrinkles, etc.

 

radioactive calcium kinetic analysis:  (Lab) test to determine calcium absorption rate.

 

radioactive xenon method: (Radio) to measure cerebral blood flow.

 

radiocapitellar joint:  (Anatomy)  forearm and elbow.

 

radiofibrinogen leg scanning: (Radio) to detect deep venous thrombosis.

 

radiofrequency catheter ablation:  (Cardio)  procedure for arrhythmias.

 

radiofrequency thermocoagulation, intradiscal:  (Ortho/Neuro) treatment for low back pain involving heat to shrink tissues.

 

radiographic absorptiometry:  (Rheum) method of measuring bone mineral density.

 

radioisotope perfusion scan: (Radio) lung scanning.

 

RadioLucent wrist fixation system:  (Ortho/Equip) external wrist fixator (MTDesk, 1997).

 

radionucleotide (or radionuclide) ventriculography: (Cardio/Radio) assesses left ventricular function.

 

radionuclide angiocardiography: (Cardio/Radio) radiographic exam of the blood vessels in and near the heart, sequential images are recorded with a scintillation camera.

 

radionuclide esophageal transit test:  (GI/Radio) to assess esophageal motility and emptying time.

 

radioulnar subluxation:  (Ortho) dislocation of the joint, wrist.

 

Radley-Liebig-Brown approach: pelvis.

 

RADS: (Abbrev) reactive airway dysfunction syndrome.

 

RAEB-T:  (Abbrev/Hem) refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (a subtype of myelodysplastic syndrome).

 

Raeder syndrome:  (Neuro) paratrigeminal neuralgia.

 

RAE endotracheal tube:  (Equip) used for anesthesia.

 

Raji cell assay: (Lab) for immune complexes.

 

Rai leukemia staging:  (Hem/Onc) classification which separates chronic lymphocytic leukemia into low, intermediate, and high risk categories, which correspond with Stage 0-4, may be typed as “Rai Stage 1”, etc.

 

RAI:  (Abbrev) radioactive iodine.

 

Raimondi catheter: (Equip) peritoneal.

 

Rainey jacket: (Equip) back support.

 

raised arm method: (Ortho) for reducing dislocated shoulder.

 

raison d’etre:  French phrase meanining “reason for being.”

 

rake retractor:  (Instrument)

 

rales: (Pulm) rattling or bubbling lung sounds; some types are: amphoric, atelectatic, bubbling, cavernous, consonating, crackling, crepitant or subcrepitant rales, dry rales, guttural, metallic, moist rales, sibilant, sonorous, Skoda (heard in pneumonia), Velcro, whistling rales, etc.

 

Ralks forceps: (Instrument)

 

ramelteon:  (Rx) generic for Rozerem, for insomnia.

 

ram’s horn toenail: (Derm) onychogryphosis (secondary spelling is onychogryposis), hypertrophy or thickening of the nails, especially the great toenail.

 

ramipril: (Rx) generic for the prescription brand name drug Altace, antihypertensive.

 

Ramirez arteriovenous shunt.

 

ramoplanin: (Rx) a naturally-occurring antibiotic.

 

Ramsay Hunt syndrome: (Neuro) intention tremor beginning in one extremity, increasing in intensity and gradually spreading to other parts of the body.

 

Ramstedt operation /procedure: (GI)  to treat hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

 

RAND General Health Rating Index:  self-rating scale of general health (RAND is a national “think tank”, whose name comes from the contraction of “research and development”).

 

RAND 8-item Depression Screener:  (Psych) evaluation.

 

RAND Vitality Scale: assessment

 

Randall stone forceps:  (Instrument) biliary tract.

 

Randall plaques: (Renal) mineral concentrations of renal papillae.

 

Randot testing: stereopsis testing, uses random dots in these tests; Randot Preschool Stereoacuity Test, Randot Stereoacuity Test; Randot Stereo Smile Test (this test uses a smiley face and is for nonverbal patients).

 

Ranexa:  (Rx) generic = ranolazine; for angina.

 

Raney clip:  (Instrument)

 

Ranfac cholangiographic catheters:  (Equip) Note that Ranfac makes a whole line of surgical instruments and equipment.

 

Ranger balloon catheter:  (also NC Ranger, NC Big Ranger, Quantum Ranger).

 

ranitidine hydrochloride: (Rx) generic drug for Zantac; for heartburn, GI distress (1997).

 

Rankin forceps:  (Instrument) used for colon resection.

 

ranolazine:  (Rx) generic for Ranexa; for angina.

 

Ransohoff sign:  (GI) indicative of common bile duct rupture; yellowing in the area of the umbilicus.

 

Rapamune: (Rx) generic = sirolimus; drug to prevent organ transplant rejection (FDA).

 

rapid scan: (Radio) also called fast scan, MR fast scan, quick scan.

 

Rapid Anthrax Test:  (Lab) DNA test to quickly identify anthrax in human and environmental samples, developed by Mayo Clinic (2001).

 

rapid exchange balloon catheter:  (Equip)

 

Rapid Strand brachytherapy:  (Onc)

 

Rapide suture.

 

Rapimelt: trademarked drug delivery system of orally-disintegrating tablets.

 

RapidMist metered dose spray applicator.

 

RapiSeal patch: To seal solid organs and stop bleeding without harming surrounding tissues; biodegradable.

 

Rapoport test:  (Uro/Renal) to test for renovascular hypertension

 

Rappaport classification: (Hem/Onc) an older system of staging lymphoma, rarely used now (2002), but still may crop up in dictation.

 

Raptiva:  (Rx) generic = efalizumab; still in final studies, not fully approved, treatment for psoriasis. (2003).

 

rare earth element:  (Chemistry) any of a group of chemical elements such as yttrium, lanthanides, and scandium.

 

RAS: (Abbrev/ENT) Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses, tracts in gallbladder mucosa; OR reticular activating system

 

rasburicase:   (Rx) generic Elitek;  IV infusion for management of uric acid levels in pediatric patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and solid tumor malignancies receiving anticancer treatment expected to result in tumor lysis and elevated plasma uric acid (2002).

 

Rashkind procedure: Pediatric Cardiology

 

Rasmussen encephalitis: (Neuro) involving an inflammation of one side of the brain, identified by Dr Theodore Rasmussen.

 

RAST: (Allergy) radioallergosorbent test; testing for allergic reactions with the detection of specific IgE antibodies.

 

ratchet: (Medical Equipment) toothed bar with which a pawl engages (part of a tenaculum).

 

rating of perceived exertion:  (Sports Medicine) RPE, rating of exercise intensity based on how you feel while exercising, range of 6-19; the RPE coincides approximately with maximum heart rate percentage.

 

Ravich urethral dilator / lithotrite:  (Instruments)

 

ray resection / amputation: (Ortho Surgery) ray refers to finger.

 

Rayne Institute: (Place) St Thomas’ Hospital, London, England.

 

Raytec sponge:  (Medical Equip)

 

Raz procedure:  (GU)  to treat stress incontinence.

 

Rb gene: linked to retinoblastoma; on chromosome 13.

 

rCBF:  (Abbrev) regional cerebral blood flow.

 

RCT:   (Abbrev) registered care technologist.

 

RDI:  (Pulm) respiratory disturbance or distress index, i.e., the number of apneas/hypopneas per hour of sleep, which interrupt sleep; aka, AHI or apnea-hypopnea index.

 

reactive airway disease:  (Pulm) asthma; note that it is often dictated “airways”, do not ever add the “s”.

 

reactive arthritis:  (Rheum) arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection somewhere else in the body.

 

reactive depression:  (Psych) occurs as a reaction to an outside phenomenon, i.e., loss of a job, death of a friend, etc.

 

Reactive Skin Decontamination Lotion:  (Rx) approved for the military to neutralize chemical warfare and fungal toxins; applied to skin ASAP after exposure (FDA 2003).

 

“readers”: a term used for reading glasses or temporary glasses which can be obtained over the counter.

 

REAL: (Onc) Revised European-American Lymphoma classification; a table which breaks down lymphoma types between the B- and T-cell types.

 

Reality female condom: (OB-GYN) brand name of the first female-controlled contraceptive barrier device in the US, which also helps protect against STDs and HIV.

 

real-time B-mode ultrasonography:  (Radio) rapid serial images produce a video display of organ motion.

  

Rebar microcatheter: (Neuro/Vascular) Rebar-14, -18, -27.

 

Rebetol:  (Rx) generic = ribavirin; antiviral; see Rebetron below.

 

Rebetron: (Rx) combination treatment for hepatitis C; contains Rebetol (ribavirin) capsules and Intron A (interferon alfa-2b, recombinant) injection. (NOTE: According to FDA, it is acceptable to type this as REBETRON in all caps as this is how it appears on product information enclosures (1998).

 

Rebif: (Rx) interferon beta-1a; subcutaneous injection for relapsing form of multiple sclerosis to decrease the frequency of exacerbations and limit or delay physical disability (FDA 2002).

 

recalcitrant: difficult to manage or treat.

 

recess-resect procedure:  (Ophth)

 

recessed stenosis:  spine.

 

recession ophthalmic muscle hook:  (Instrument)

 

rechLH: genetically engineered hormone for infertility.

 

reciprocating tachycardia: (Cardio) due to reentry within the AV node.

 

recorded speech testing:  (ENT) used to test hearing, evaluates speech discrimination and perception.

 

rectal gargle:  (GI) a low enema with tap water.

 

rectoanal inhibitory reflex:  (GI) relaxation of internal sphincter.

 

rectus: plural = recti; means straight muscle.

 

rectus abdominis muscle:  (Anatomy) ventral abdominal wall.

 

rectus femoris muscle:  (Anatomy) middle head of quadriceps femoris, thigh.

 

recurvatum: abnormal backward bending.

 

red glass eye test: three stage, double vision.

 

red reflex:  (Ophth) a normal finding on eye examination.

 

red man syndrome:  (Allergy) histamine reaction, urticarial flushing of the upper body; side effect of vancomycin; also called “red neck syndrome”. (Source: Taber’s Medical Dictionary).

 

red Robinson catheter:  (Equip) also red rubber Robinson catheter.

 

red rubber catheter:  (Equip) also red rubber Robinson catheter or red Robinson catheter.

 

Redivac drain:  (Equip/Surgery)

 

Redler nails:  (Equip/Ortho)

 

Redon drain:  (Equip)

 

redundant: meaning in excess, more than is needed, more than is usual.

 

redundant tissue:  excess tissue.

 

redundant uvula:  (ENT) extra tissue around uvula or part of uvula, may be a cause of sleep apnea and snoring.

 

re-evaluation: Note style containing hyphen is per UWMF dept meeting handout from June 2002, titled “High on Hyphens”, page 2, paragraph 1, rule states, “Do not use hypens with the...prefix...” re” unless the word that follows it begins with the same vowel that ends the prefix.”  Therefore, in the case of this word, it requires a hyphen.

 

Reese shoe / boot:  (Podiatry)

 

Reese-Ellsworth classification: (Ophth) for retinoblastoma.

 

referred pain:   (Neuro) pain felt distant from its origin, i.e., sciatica in the back may caused referred pain in the leg or foot.

 

reflex ileus:  (GI) paralytic or adynamic ileus, obstruction.

 

reflex HPV DNA testing / reflex HPV testing:  (Lab/GYN) if results from ThinPrep Pap are ASCUS, automatically send sample for HPV, eliminates need for obtaining more samples, office visits, exams, etc., to screen for cervical cancer.

 

reflux esophagitis: (GI)  regurgitation of gastric acid; grades are written as grade EI, grade EII, grade EIII, grade EIV.

 

refractive error: (Ophth) inability of images to focus properly in the eye.

 

Refresh eye drops:  OTC eye lubricant.

 

refresh rate:  (Ophth) computer phrase, controls screen flicker, meaning the amount of times a display’s image is “repainted” or refreshed on your screen per second; the lower the number, the greater risk for eye strain. Recommendation in 2002 was a refresh rate of 72 Hz or higher to prevent flicker and eye strain.

 

regenerative injection therapy:  RIT, using injections to treat musculoskeletal pain; also called prolotherapy

 

regimen: systemic course, pattern

 

regime: (1) means the same as regimen, a pattern or procedure, (2) a mode of government or rule.

 

Regonol:  (Rx) generic = pyridostigmine; injection for myasthenia gravis and to reverse certain muscle relaxants.

 

Regranex gel: (Rx) generic = becaplermin; a topical treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. (1997).

 

regurgitant index:  (Cardio) amount of blood regurgitated into cardiac chamber; mitral or aortic insufficiency.

 

regurgitant murmur:  (Cardio) murmur due to backward flow or leakage of a valve.

 

Reich, Wilhelm: (Person) came up with the principle that health requires recognizing ourselves as physical organisms, not just minds.

 

Reichenheim-King procedure: elbow.   ?

 

Reiki therapy: (Alternative Medicine) touch therapy, sometimes used to complement traditional medicine.

 

Reiner repair:   ?

 

Reinke space:  (ENT) found in pharynx, larynx, and trachea; inflammation in this area causes hoarse voice.

 

Reiter syndrome: (Rheum) involves combination of symptoms of arthritis, red eyes, and urinary tract infection. Men between the ages of 20-40 are much more likely to develop the syndrome than women. (Source: National Institutes of Health website 2002).

 

reiterate: say again, repeat.

 

Rejuvesol:  (Pharm/Hem) red blood cell rejuvenation product (1997).

 

Relagard vaginal gel:  (Rx) therapeutic gel for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (2002).

 

relapsing polychondritis:  degenerative disease of cartilage with arthritis.

 

The Relaxing Breath:  (Allergy) relaxation technique, comes from yoga, very useful to asthmatics; aka, 4-7-8 Breath; inhale for 4 seconds, hold breath for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds, repeat 4 times.

 

“The Relaxation Response”, book by Herbert Benson: you may here it referred to in dictation by doctors recommending it for reading by patients.

 

release: (Surgery) incision to produce relaxation of tissue.

 

Relenza: (Rx) generic = zanamivir; orally inhaled drug for influenza A and B viruses; designed to be used with a Diskhaler inhalation device and is supplied in a Rotadisk. (1999).

 

Reliance urinary control insert:  Intraurethral insert for treatment of female stress incontinence.

 

Relia-Vac drain:  (Equip)

 

ReliefBand NST: Product available OTC, worn as a wrist band to treat nausea and vomiting; nerve stimulation therapy.

 

Reliv Now:  (OTC)  powder vitamin/nutritional supplement; also Reliv Arthraffect, Reliv Classic, Reliv Delight, Reliv FibRestore, Reliv ReversAge, Reliv SoySense, Reliv SoySentials, etc., see www.relivonline.com for more info.

 

Relpax:  (Rx) generic = eletriptan; drug for migraine headaches, see www.relpax.com .

 

Relton-Hall frame:  (Equip) for scoliosis.

 

reluctant ovum syndrome:  (Ob-GYN) Most dictators will refer to this as “resistant ovary syndrome” instead, see below.

 

Relume system:  (Derm/Device) fiberoptic light to treat stretch marks and scars (2002).

 

RE/MAX:  real estate company chain.

 

Remegel: OTC antacid in tablet or liquid form containing aluminum with magnesium hydroxide.

 

Remeron: (Rx) generic = mirtazapine in tablet form or SolTab formulation (orally disintegrating) used for depression (1997).

 

Remicade: (Rx) generic = infliximab, oral medication for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn disease (2001).

 

Remifemin:  An OTC herbal supplement used to reduce menopausal symptoms (2001).

 

Reminyl:  (Rx) generic = galantamine; oral tablets or solution, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor/nicotinic receptor modulator indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type (2001).

 

remodeling: continuous process involving resorption of old bone and formation of new bone.

 

Remodulin:   (Rx) generic = treprostinil sodium, injection, for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (2001).

 

Rembrandt canker relief kit.

 

Renagel:  (Rx) generic = sevelamer Hcl, for patients with end-stage renal disease. Style Note: Product may be listed as "RenaGel" on some web sites and in some press releases. According to a GelTex (the manufacturer) representative contacted 01/11/99, the original trademark contained the internal capital G; however, this had recently changed. (2000).

 

renal osteodystrophy:  bone changes resulting from chronic renal failure.

 

renal tuberculosis: also known as “kidney TB” or “kidney tuberculosis”.

 

renal tubular acidosis:  RTA, kidneys fail to excrete acids into urine, leading to too much acid, sometimes dictated by their types (as in “type 1 RTA, etc); type 1 = distal RTA, type 2 = proximal, type 3 = rarely used, thought to be a combination of types 1 & 2; type 4 = hyperkalemic RTA.

 

RenAmin:  (Rx) amino acid injection for protein and nitrogen deficiencies.

 

renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis:  hormones which work together to regulate blood pressure.

 

renin: a kidney enzyme, protein suspected of contributing to hypertension.

 

rennin: a milk-curdling enzyme; rennin is produced in the stomach.

 

Renova:  (Rx) generic = tretinoin, topical cream for wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. (2000).

 

rent: in medical terms, meaning a rip or gap.

 

ReNu MultiPlus solution:  OTC contact lens solution. (Bausch & Lomb 1997).

 

ReoPro:  (Rx) generic = abciximab, IV infusion to prevent cardiac ischemic complications (FDA 1997).

 

repaglinide:  See Prandin.

 

reperfusion thallium-201 scintigraphy.

 

Repetabs: a medication delivery system, “repeat action” tablets, drugs with formulation Repetabs include Ventolin and Proventil.

 

Replicare and Replicare paste: Aids in debridement and moist wound healing.

 

Repliform: A connective tissue graft made of human dermis, used in urogynecologic procedures, pelvic floor repair and urinary incontinence (2000).

 

Repose surgical system:  (Pulmonary) System for minimally invasive treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

 

Repronex:  (Rx) menotropins for injection, generic equivalent of Pergonal for the treatment of infertility. (FDA approved Aug 1999).

 

Reprotox: An online resource for reproductive toxicology information on medications and therapies during pregnancy.

 

Requip: (Rx) generic = ropinirole hydrochloride, for treatment of Parkinson disease, used alone in early stage of disease, used with levodopa in later stages. (1997).

 

Rescriptor: (Rx) generic = delavirdine mesylate, tablets; new AIDS drug (1997).

 

Rescula ophthalmic solution:  (Rx) unoprostone isopropyl 0.15% eye drops; an intraocular pressure‑lowering docosanoid compound (FDA 2000).

 

resistant ovary syndrome:  (Ob-GYN) primary or secondary amenorrhea resistant to gonadotropin stimulation, some dictators refer to it as “reluctant ovum syndrome”.

 

resorb / resorption: loss of substance, breakdown.

 

Respalor:  a liquid oral and tube feeding for pulmonary patients (Mead Johnson 2002).

 

RESPeRATE: Biofeedback device for the adjunctive treatment of hypertension. The device analyzes a patient's breathing and then guides the patient through breathing exercises designed to lower blood pressure. Previously available by prescription only; approved by the FDA in July 2002 for OTC distribution.

 

RespiGam:  (Rx) an immune globulin (intravenous) used to protect against the worst effects of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in high-risk children. (1996).

 

RespiPac:  (Rx) Packaging form; see Zagam (sparfloxacin) tablets.

 

respiratory disturbance index:  (Pulm) RDI; the number of apneas/hypopneas per hour  of sleep.

 

respiratory failure: (Pulm)  type 1 = oxygenation failure; type 2 = ventilatory failure; type 3 = combined failure.

 

Respules / Pulmicort Respules: (Pharm) Respules are a type of drug delivery system for inhaled corticosteroids.

 

Response System: (GU) An external suction device for impotence.

 

Restasis ophthalmic emulsion:  (Rx) cyclosporine, for dry eyes.

 

restless legs syndrome: leg twitching/pain, usually at sleep. Style Note:  According to Dorland’s, Stedman’s, it is “legs”, not leg.

 

Reston foam: latex-free adhesive dressing; used especially after liposuction procedures to reduce swelling and bruising. (AAMT 2001).

 

RESTOR Services: for Pulmonary Rehabilitation ?

 

restriction fragment length polymorphism:  RFLP, genetic analysis of populations or individual relationships.

 

Restylane:  (Rx) derm injection, used for wrinkles.

 

Retavase: (Rx) generic = reteplase; thrombolytic agent used to help treat heart attack patients (1998).

 

retch: meaning attempting to vomit (note that wretch means an unfortunate human being).

 

rete:   plexus; an intersecting network.

 

rete ridges: (Derm) downward thickening of epidermis between dermal papillae.

 

reticuloendothelial system:  (Lab) includes most of the true macrophages.

 

retinal cryopexy:  (Ophth) repairing breaks or holes in retina by use of freezing.

 

Retin-A Micro:  (Rx) tretinoin gel, microsphere, 0.1% and 0.04%; topical gel indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

 

Retisert:  (Rx) for uveitis, inserted into the eye (Bausch & Lomb).

 

retroauricular:  (ENT) behind the auricle.

 

retrocalcaneal:  heel

 

retrochorionic or retroplacental lucencies:   (Radio) seen on ultrasound.

 

retroclusion:  (Alternative Med) type of acupressure used to stop bleeding.

 

retrogasserian rhizotomy:  (Neuro) division or sectioning of sensory root of fifth cranial nerve.

 

retrograde pyelogram: (Radio) radiographic record of kidneys and urinary tract.

 

retrolental / retrolenticular: behind the lens.

 

retrolisthesis: posterior displacement of vertebrae.

 

retromolar trigone:  (Anatomy) triangular area posterior to the third mandibular molar tooth.

 

retroperfusion pump:  (Vascular)

 

retroperitoneal:  (GI) external/posterior to peritoneum.

 

Retrouvaille:  (pronounced “retro-vi”) name of a marriage retreat offered through many churches; retrouvaille is French for “discovery”.

 

retrovirus: viruses so called because of their reversal of the usual processes by which viruses replicate; examples include HTLV-1 and HIV.

 

Rett syndrome: (Neuro) neurological/developmental disorder described only since the late 1960s that primarily affects females. Often misdiagnosed as autism with apraxia as the most pronounced and debilitating symptom. (Source: Rett syndrome web site 2002).

 

Revatio:  (Rx) generic = sildenafil citrate; for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

 

Reveal Plus insertable loop recorder (ILR): (Device/Cardio) implantable device for continuous recording of cardiac activity via a 42‑minute loop electrocardiogram. (2000).

 

reverberation: re-echoed sounds.

 

Reverdin-Green procedure: (Podiatry) osteotomy, bunion.

 

reverse Barton fracture: (Ortho) wrist.

 

reverse cholesterol transport: (Hem) HDL removes excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and carries it back to the liver where it is recycled.

 

reverse-last shoes:  (Podiatry) last refers to the mold of the shoe, how you tell left shoe from right shoe. In reverse-last shoes, the toe box usually flares out, usually used in children or infants to correct a toe-in problem by forcing the foot to stretch to a more natural curve.

 

REVERT Trial: Reversal of ventricular remodeling with Toprol‑XL. (2001).

 

review of systems, 12-point:  (Exam) 12-point ROS; referring to 12 body systems reviewed.

 

revision: In medical terms, surgical reconstruction of tissue.

 

Revlimid:  (Rx) lenalidomide; for myelodysplastic syndromes.

 

Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test / Task (RAVLT).

 

Reyataz:  (Rx) generic = atazanavir sulfate; used in combination with other anti-retroviral drugs for HIV.

 

Reye syndrome: (Peds) Unknown cause or cure, but researchers believe a direct link between aspirin and viral infections, such as influenza, chicken pox, and colds. It is an aggressive disease that can cause death within days if not treated early. Best prevention is to avoid aspirin products for anyone under 19 years of age. (Source: National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation website 2002).

 

Reynolds Pathfinder Analyzer:  (Cardio) type of Holter monitor.

 

Rezulin: (Rx) generic = troglitazone, DISCONTINUED due to increased risk of liver damage associated with continued use of Rezulin for the treatment of type 2 insulin-dependent diabetes, Parke-Davis has complied with an FDA request to remove the drug from the market, you still may hear it in dictations. (2000).

 

Rezyme:  OTC product to enhance digestion and rebuild the body's digestive system (1997).

 

RF (rheumatoid factor) test: (Lab) diagnostic for rheumatoid arthritis.

 

RGEA: right gastroepiploic artery.

 

rhabditiform larvae:  (Biology) larval stage of nematodes.

 

rheumatism, palindromic: (Rheum) a subgroup of recurring rheumatoid arthritis.

 

rheumatoid nodulosis:  (Rheum/Derm) widespread subcutaneous nodules over bony prominences with rheumatoid arthritis.

 

rheumatoid pannus:  (Rheum) granulation tissues that forms in the synovium by proliferating fibroblasts and inflammatory cells.

 

rheumatoid vasculitis:  (Rheum/Vasc) condition may include skin ulcers, necrotizing vasculitis, high levels of IgG in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

 

rhG-CSF: (Lab)recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor.

 

rhinitis medicamentosa:  (Condition/ENT) a “runny” nose caused by overuse of nose drops or other topical nasal medication.

 

rhinoconjunctivitis: (ENT) inflammation of nose and conjunctivae.

 

Rhinocort Aqua:  (Rx) budesonide nasal spray, for treatment of allergic rhinitis.

 

rhinolaryngoscopy:  (ENT) examination

 

rhodium mirror: reflects the laser beam.

 

rhomboid muscles:  (Anatomy) thorax area

 

rhonchi: (Pulm) plural of rhonchus; a lung sound. Types of rhonchi include: expiratory, inspiratory, stridulous, sonorous, sibilant.

 

rhus dermatitis: (Derm) skin exposure to any one of the plants of the genus Rhus (poison ivy, poison oak, sumac, etc.).

 

Rhythm catheter: (Cardio) Rhythm is a brand name, trademarked, capitalize.

 

rhytides:  (Derm) wrinkles.

 

RIBA: (recombinant immunoblot assay) Hepatitis C serology test.

 

RIBA-2: (Lab) second generation assay

 

RIBA-3: (Lab) third generation assay

 

RIBA HCV 3.0 SIA:  (Lab) strip immunoblot assay; supplemental test for confirming repeatedly reactive screening results for the hepatitis C virus (HCV); new test detects 5 HCV antibodies (previous RIBA HCV 2.0 tested for only 4 HCV antibodies) (1999).

 

Ribasphere:  (Rx) ribavirin, for Hepatitis C.

 

ribavirin:  (Rx) generic for Rebetol; antiviral. See Rebetol and Rebetron above.

 

ribbon stools:  (GI) denoting the appearance.

 

RICE: (Ortho) recommendations for taking care of sprains: rest, ice, compression, elevation.

 

rice bodies:  (Rheum) loose bodies in joints or bursae.

 

Richards compression device:  (Ortho)

 

Richardson-Eastman retractor:  (Instrument)

 

Richie brace:  (Ortho) foot.

 

Richter syndrome: (Onc) diffuse large cell lymphoma or histiocytic lymphoma.

 

ricin-A chain: (Lab)

 

Rickham reservoir : (Neurosurgery) used to deliver radiation to brain.

 

RID mousse: (pyrethrum extract and 4% piperonyl butoxide) OTC pediculicide for treatment of head, pubic, and body lice; aerosolized foam formulation, other RID products include shampoo, lice control spray, and egg loosener gel (2000).

 

Ridaura: (Rx) generic = auranofin; oral medication for rheumatoid arthritis (2000).

 

Ridlon method: (Ortho) for dislocated hip.

 

RIFADIN:  (Rx) generic rifampin, treatment of TB.

 

Rifater:  (Rx) generic:  rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide; antibiotic for TB.

 

rifaximin:  (Rx) generic for Xiafaxan; drug for traveler’s diarrhea.

 

right gastroepiploic artery:  (Anatomy) gastroomental area.

 

right internal mammary artery:  (Anatomy) RIMA

 

Rigiscan: (Equip) used to quantify nocturnal erections.

 

Rilutek: (Rx) generic = riluzole; drug for ALS or Lou Gehrig disease, not a cure (2002).

 

riluzole: generic for Rilutek; Rx drug for treatment of ALS, or Lou Gehrig disease; not a cure, but may be useful in prolonging life with the disease. (2002).

 

RIMA: (Anatomy) right internal mammary artery.

 

Rimonabant:  investigational drug for weight reduction; aka, Accomplia.

 

Rimso-50: (Rx) dimethylsulfoxide/DMSO; for urinary tract infections and interstitial cystitis.(1978).

 

rind, sclerotic:  x-ray finding.

 

RIND: reversible ischemic neurologic deficit.

 

ring-enhancing lesions:  on CT scans.

 

ring forceps:  (Instrument)

 

ring fracture:  (Ortho) pelvis.

 

ring man shoulder: (Ortho) gymnast injury (rings) from overuse, strain.

 

ring pessary:  (Equip) supports uterus, prevents prolapse.

 

Ring-McLean catheter:  (Equip) sump drainage catheter.

 

Ringer lactate:  (Pharm) IV fluid infusion, electrolytes, sodium.

 

Riomet:  (Rx) generic metformin, oral solution for type 2 diabetes.

 

Riordan pin: (Ortho).

 

Ripstein operation:  (GI)  for rectal prolapse.

 

risedronate:  (Rx) a type of bisphosphonate drug.

 

rising sun appearance: (X-ray finding) bilateral swelling in the olecranon region.

 

risk node: a medical procedure or practice that results in a disproportionate number of injuries or deaths among patients undergoing treatment, derived from “risk management”.

 

risk stratification:  assessment of risk of patient survival taking comorbidities into account

 

Risley prism:  (Ophth) used in examination of ocular muscle imbalance.

 

risorius muscle:  (Anatomy) facial, mouth.

 

Risperdal: (Rx) generic = risperidone; drug for psychosis. (1993).

 

Risser cast:  (Ortho) for scoliosis.

 

Risser sign:  (Ortho) skeletal maturity estimation in scoliosis evaluation.

 

RIST: (Lab) radioimmunosorbent test for detection of total IgE.

 

RIT:  regenerative injection therapy; using injections to treat musculoskeletal pain; also called prolotherapy.

 

Ritalin / Ritalin LA / Ritalin SR: (Rx) methylphenidate HCI; drug for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Ritalin LA is the long-acting formulation; SR is for sustained-release formulation. (2001).

 

Ritch lens:  for laser trabeculoplasty.

 

Rithron-XR:  (Cardio) brand name coronary stent.

  

Rituxan: (Rx) generic = rituximab, monoclonal antibody for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (2001).

 

rituximab:  (Rx) generic for Rituxan, see above.

 

rivastigmine tartrate:  (Rx) generic for Exelon.

 

Rivetti-Levinson intraluminal shunt: (Cardio) designed for use during beating-heart bypass procedures.

 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: (Geography) Area where many of the US/coalition armed forces were stationed during the Gulf War.

 

Rizzuti iris retractor:  (Instrument)

 

RLP cholesterol remnant: (Lab)  remnant-like particle; form of cholesterol, found in high levels in heart attack patients with normal cholesterol.

 

RLP assay: (Lab) lab test for remnant lipoproteins,  form of cholesterol found in high levels in heart attack patients with normal cholesterol.

 

Robaxisal:  (Rx) generic = methocarbamol/aspirin; muscle relaxant.

 

Robb tonsil knife:  (Instrument)

 

Robert Jones compressive dressing:  (Med Supplies)

 

Robertshaw tube:  (Equip) double lumen.

 

Robicheck wire   ?  (unable to verify).

 

Robinow syndrome:  skeletal dysplasia, bulging forehead, depressed nasal bridge, wide mouth, dwarfism.

 

Robinson urethral catheter:  (Equip)

 

Robinson and Southwick procedure:  spinal fusion.

 

Robinul, Robinul Forte:  (Rx) generic = glycopyrrolate; suppresses GI hypermotility, anticholinergic.

 

Robicsek weave:  (Surgery) for sternal dehiscence.

 

Robson staging: (Onc) of renal cancer, 1 through 4.

 

Rocaltrol: (Rx) generic = calcitriol; drug which aids in the resorption of calcium (1998).

 

Rocephin: (Rx) generic = ceftriaxone sodium; antibiotic injection for acute bacterial otitis media in children (1998).

 

rock candy lesions: (Neuro) calcific drusen deposits at the lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve head.

 

Rock-Mulligan hoods: (Infertility)  ?

 

rocker board: (Physical Therapy) used to improve balance and stability, retrain muscles; it is a board affixed to a half ball or cylinder.

 

rockerbottom foot:  (Podiatry) congenital vertical talus.

 

Rockey-Davis incision: (Surgery) appendectomy.

 

Rockport shoes: brand name of shoes.

 

Rockwood procedure: shoulder.

 

rod-cone dystrophy:  (Ophth) eye conditions resulting from rod and cone photoreceptor problems.

 

rodenticide: used to kill rodents; rat poison.

 

Rodman incision: (Surgery) radical mastectomy.

 

rod sleeve: (Ortho) therapy for spinal fractures (2001).

  

Roger Anderson apparatus: (Ortho) extraoral screw and metal bar appliance that reduces and fixates fractured bones, mandible.

 

Roger defect: (Cardio) hemodynamically insignificant lesion.

 

ROHO cushion: (Med Supplies) used in wheelchair to prevent decubiti formation.

 

Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses: see RAS; small outpockets of mucosa of gallbladder.

 

Rolando fracture: hand

 

Rolfing massage: (Therapy) named for Ida Rolf who developed the technique; vigorous deep tissue massage.

 

rolled tendon anchovy procedure:  (Ortho) hand.

 

Rollerblade:  trademark name of inline skates. It is becoming acceptable to saying “Rollerblading”, making the noun into a verb.

 

Rollet retractor:  (Instrument)

 

rollover test: (OB)  for susceptibility to toxemia in pregnancy.

 

Rolyan brace: (Ortho).

 

Romazicon:  (Rx) generic = flumazenil; IV psychotropic drug, also reversal of sedative effects of general anesthesia, and for benzodiazepine overdose.

 

Romberg sign:  loss of balance or unsteadiness when closing eyes  while standing.

 

Rome I and II (1 & 2) criteria: (GI)  for irritable bowel syndrome.

 

“romied”  :  (Slang) started out as an acronym, ROMI, for rule out myocardial infarction, became an acceptable word and form of the word as a verb,  so that “romied” would mean the physician ruled out MI on the patient. Style Note: As yet, keep the quotation marks around this term (per AAMT & Vera Pyle, 2003).

 

“rooming-in”: (OB) keeping the newborn baby in the same room as the mother, usually the same room in which the birth took place.

 

Roos hip flexor release: (Ortho).

 

Roos test:  for thoracic outlet syndrome

 

Roosevelt clamp:  (Instrument)

 

rooting response: (Neonat) in newborns

 

ROS: review of systems, or SR for systems review, part of physical examination, sometimes dictated as 12-point ROS for the number of systems reviewed.

 

rosary bead esophagus: (X-ray finding) symptomatic diffuse esophageal spasm.

 

rosebud stoma:  (GI) ostomy.

 

Rosen needle:  (Instrument)

 

Rosenbaum eye test:  (Ophth)

 

Rosenkranz retractor:  (Instrument)

 

Rosenthal speculum:  (Instrument)

 

rosiglitazone: (Rx) generic Avandia; diabetes medication (2000).

 

Ross aortic retractor:  (Instrument)

 

Ross pulmonary porcine valve:  (Peds Cardio).

 

Rossmax monitor:  automatic wristwatch blood pressure (1999).

 

rostrally: (Neuro) toward the front of the brain.

 

rosuvastatin:  (Rx) generic for Crestor; lipid-lowering drug.

 

Rotablator RotaLink: (Equip) brand name instrument for scraping arteries.

 

rotary gamma scalpel:  (Equip) From China, uses gamma rays to destroy tumor cells in the brain, while leaving healthy tissue intact.(1997).

 

RotaShield: Off the market in 1999 due to side effects and problems; it was a rotavirus vaccination.

 

rotational flap graft:  pedicle flap rotated from the donor site to adjacent recipient defect.

 

rotator cuff: muscles that hold the shoulder together.

 

rotator cuff tear:  (Ortho) shoulder injury.

 

rotatory instability:  (Ortho)

 

Roth syndrome: (Neuro) meralgia paresthetica.

 

Roth-Bernhardt disease:  (Neuro) meralgia paresthetica.

 

Rotograph Plus: (Dentist/Radio) panoramic dental tomography imaging system.

 

Rotorloc: (Med Supplies) absorbable rotator cuff suture anchor (2000).

 

Roto-Rest bed:  (Equip) specialized bed which provides kinetic therapy by rotating patients side to side to prevent build up of fluid in lungs when bedridden for long periods of time.

 

rotoscoliosis:  (Spine) lateral and rotational deviation of vertebral column.

 

Rotter node:  (Endo) lymph nodes in pectoralis muscles.

 

rotund: meaning rounded.

 

round ligament:  (Anatomy) found in uterus, liver, femur, and elbow.

 

round pneumonia: (Pulm) small infective focus stage.

 

Roux retractor:  (Instrument)

 

Roux-en-Y procedure:  (GI) gastric bypass operation; pronounced “roo-en-why”.

 

Roux-Goldwait patellar repair:  ?

 

Roveda technique:  ?

 

Rovsing sign/test:  (GI)  for appendicitis.

 

Rowasa enema: (Rx) generic = mesalamine; used as an anti-inflammatory for symptoms in the rectosigmoid area. (NOTE: Rowasa was available in suppositories as well, but in 1999, taken off the market due to inconsistent performance of the product. As of 2002, still not back on market according to manufacturer).

 

row carpectomy, proximal:  (Ortho Surgery) hands.

 

Rowe equation: (Lab)  to correct serum creatinine for age.

 

Rowen spinal fusion:  (Ortho)

 

Rowland osteotome / pouch.

 

Rowsey cannula: (Ophth).

 

Roydhouse maneuver:  (ENT) technique for opening eustachian tubes.

 

Rozerem:  (Rx) generic = ramelteon; for insomnia.

 

RPM Tracking System: (Equip) real-time position management; used to manipulate catheters during heart surgery.

 

RPR:  (Lab) rapid plasma reagin, test for syphilis. Note that levels may be dictated using the term “tube”, i.e., “…a 2-tube drop from 6 months ago”, “RPR level was 1:16, 1 tube higher than previous level”, etc. 

 

R-R interval: (Cardio) on EKG.

 

“RSR prime”:  (dictated) type as: RSR’ (with apostrophe), or write out the word “prime” as RSR prime, also acceptable as rSr prime; pattern on EKG.

 

RSV: (Pulm) respiratory syncytial virus.

 

RSVG:  (Cardio) reverse saphenous vein graft.

 

RTA:  see above at renal tubular acidosis, 4 types.

 

RT 5000 mobile echocardiography system.

 

RTS counselor: (OB/GYN) Resolve Through Sharing counselor.

 

rubber band ligation

 

rubber shod clamp / hook / catheter

 

rubella: (also called German measles or 3-day measles) benign infectious disease in children and nonimmune young adults (Stedman’s).

 

rubeola: (Infectious Disease) measles.

 

rubra vera:  (Hem) polycythemia rubra vera.

 

rubidium-82 myocardial perfusion scan:  (Cardio/Radio)

 

Rubinstein cryoprobe:  (Instrument)

 

rubric: protocol; red.

 

“ruby” lens:  NO, it is Hruby lens.

 

ruddy complexion: (Derm) red, flushed, or rust colored.

 

rudimentary: imperfectly developed.

 

rudimentary ribs: nubbins below normal ribs.

 

ruga: a ridge or wrinkle.

 

rugae: plural for ruga.

 

rugal folds:  ridges or wrinkles.

 

rugated:  having ridges, wrinkles.

 

rugby: In British countries, Australia, game played much like football/soccer in US; many US colleges and some high schools now have rugby clubs or teams; players are sometimes referred to as “ruggers”.

 

Rugby forceps:  (Instrument)

 

rugger jersey spine: (Ortho/Endo) characteristic of hyperparathyroidism on x-ray; sclerosis of the vertebral endplates, seen as horizontal banding (NOTE: rugby jerseys or shirts have characteristic stripes around the chest).

 

Ruiz microkeratome:  (Instrument)

 

Ruiz-Mora procedure: toe

 

Rumel tourniquet : (Vascular).

 

runner’s knee: (Ortho) patellofemoral stress syndrome (PFSS), overuse.

 

Rusch laryngoscope

 

rush immunotherapy:  (Allergy) immunotherapy to an allergen given over a period of days (conventional = weeks); ultrarush therapy, given over several hours; aka, VIT, venom immunotherapy.

 

Rush rod / nail / pin: (Ortho) for long bone fractures.

 

rusk: also called zwieback; it is bread slices that are baked a second time so that they are hard and crispy, work well for giving to teething toddlers.

 

Ruskin rongeur / forceps:  (Instrument)

 

Russe bone graft

 

Russell pin traction

 

Russell-Taylor tibial interlocking nail.

 

Russell viper test:  (Lab)  used to determine increase in prothrombin time; AKA:  “venom test”, “Russell viper venom time”.

 

Russian forceps

 

Ruuska meniscotome

 

RUTH Trial: raloxifene use for the heart; clinical trial to determine the usefulness of raloxifene in preventing heart attack and cardiac events or death in postmenopausal women (1998).

 

RV:  (Abbrev)  right ventricular

 

RV outflow tract:  (Cardio)  right ventricular outflow tract.

 

RV/TLC ratio: (Pulm) residual volume / total lung capacity.

 

RX Herculink 14 biliary stent: used to treat obstructions in the biliary tree.

 

Ryder needle holder:  (Instrument)

 

Rye classification: (Onc) for Hodgkin lymphomas.

 

Ryna-12 S: (Rx) phenylephrine tannate/ pyrilamine tannate; drug to relieve symptoms of coryza, sinusitis, allergies, and URI; decongestant/antihistamine (1999).

 

Rythmol: (propafenone) Rx cardiovascular drug (FDA 1998).