Pleurodesis
A procedure that causes the membranes around the lungs to stick together and prevents the buildup of fluid in the space between the membranes (pleural space). Pleurodesis is done in cases of severe recurrent pleural effusions (outpourings of fluid around the lungs) to prevent the reaccumulation of the fluid. During pleurodesis, an irritant is instilled inside the pleural space in order to create inflammation that tacks the two pleura together. This procedure thereby permanently obliterates the space between the pleura and prevents the reaccumulation of fluid.
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1. In medicine, a network or tangle of lymphatic vessels, nerves, or veins. For example, the brachial plexus is a network of nerves leading to the arm. In general, any interwoven entity made up of elements in a structure or system.
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The gene encoding proteolipid protein, or lipophilin, the primary constituent of myelin. The PLP1 gene is on the X chromosome in band Xq22. Mutations in PLP1 cause Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) and X-linked spastic paraplegia 2 (SPG2).
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Another name for lead poisoning.
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Iron deficiency anemia, esophageal webs, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). The iron deficiency is typically chronic and severe. It triggers the growth of web-like membranes in the throat which cause dysphagia. The syndrome is more common in women. Treatment is iron supplementation and, if need be, dilation of the web to permit normal swallowing and the […]