Dictionary

epidemiology, classical The study of populations in order to determine the frequency and distribution of diseases, and then to measure the risks of those diseases.

epidemiologist A person engaged in epidemiology. Epidemiologists can be people with MD, PhD, DPH (Doctor of Public Health), MPH (Master of Public Health), RN, or other degrees.

epidemic typhus See typhus, epidemic.

epidemic myalgia See Bornholm disease.

epidemic hemorrhagic fever See hemorrhagic fever, viral.

epidemic The occurrence of more cases of a disease than would be expected to occur in a community or region during a given time period. A sudden outbreak (as, for example, of cholera). See also endemic; pandemic.

epicardium See pericardium, visceral.

epicanthal fold A fold of skin that comes down across the inner angle of the eye. Epicanthal folds appear most frequently in persons with Down syndrome and some other constellations of birth defects. To the untrained eye, an epicanthal fold may look similar to the eye fold found in peoples of Asian origin, but the…

ephedrine A vasoconstricting, bronchodilating drug that is used to treat asthma and also found in over-the-counter remedies for cold and flu symptoms and in some herbal remedies (in the form of the ephedrine-containing herbs ephedra or Ma Huang). Side effects of ephedrine can include jitteriness, racing heartbeat, nausea, sleeplessness, and headache. Ephedrine misuse or abuse…

ependymoma A type of brain tumor that derives from the glial cells that line the cavities within the brain’s ventricles. Because cerebrospinal fluid normally flows through these ventricles, blockage due to an ependymoma can cause buildup of fluid, pressure on the brain, and hydrocephalus.

eosinophilic granuloma A disease in which histiocytes multiply and attack the tissues, forming solitary or multiple eosinophilic granulomas. Eosinophilic granuloma predominantly affects children and young adults. It is the most common type of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. In patients with eosinophilic granuloma, granulomas may develop in bone, with overlying tender and sometimes warm areas of swelling…

eosinophilic fasciitis A disease that leads to inflammation and thickening of the skin and of the lining tissue under the skin that covers the surface of underlying tissues (fascia). In eosinophilic fasciitis, the involved fascia is inflamed with the eosinophil white blood cells. Progressive thickening occurs, and often redness, warmth, and hardness of the skin…