Dictionary

poikiloderma Extra pigmentation of the skin that demonstrates a variety of shades and is associated with widened capillaries (telangiectasia) in the affected area.

podiatrist A specialist in the diagnosis and care of foot disorders, including their medical and surgical treatment.

p.o. Per os. Abbreviation meaning by mouth, orally. See also Appendix A, “Prescription Abbreviations.”

PNS Peripheral nervous system.

PNL Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy.

pneumothorax Free air in the chest outside the lung. Pneumothorax can occur spontaneously, follow a fractured rib or other trauma, occur in the wake of chest surgery, or be deliberately induced in order to collapse the lung.

pneumopericardium Air or other gas in the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium).

pneumonitis, radiation Inflammation of the lungs that results from radiation. Radiation pneumonitis typically occurs after radiation treatments for cancer within the chest or breast. Radiation pneumonitis usually manifests itself 2 weeks to 6 months after completion of radiation therapy. Symptoms include shortness of breath upon activity, cough, and fever. If radiation pneumonitis persists, it can…

pneumonia, giant cell A deadly but fortunately rare complication of measles that tends to strike children who are immunodeficient from leukemia or AIDS. The lung tissue shows multinucleated giant cells lining the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs. Also known as Hecht’s pneumonia.

pneumonia, double Pneumonia in both lungs. Also known as bilateral pneumonia.

pneumonia, bilateral See pneumonia, double.

pneumonia, aspiration Inflammation of the lungs due to the sucking in of food particles or fluids into the lungs (aspiration).