endemic Present in a community at all times, but occurring in low frequency. For example, malaria is endemic in some areas of the world. In comparison to endemic, epidemic denotes a sudden outbreak, and pandemic denotes an epidemic that spreads across a region. See also epidemic; pandemic.
endarterectomy An operation to clear an artery of accumulated cholesterol-containing matter along its inner wall to restore normal blood flow. An endarterectomy removes diseased material from the inside of an artery, and also removes any occluding atheromatous deposits, the aim being to leave a smooth lining within the vessel, so the blood can flow freely….
encopresis The inability to control the elimination of stool. Encopresis can have a variety of causes, including inability to control the anal sphincter muscle or gastrointestinal problems, particularly chronic diarrhea and Crohn’s disease. Several neurological disorders, including Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder, are also occasionally associated with the symptom of encopresis, particularly in children. Preventive…
enchondromatosis See Ollier’s disease.
enchondroma A common benign tumor of cartilage within bone. Enchondroma most often appears as a bony nodule in the hand or foot of a patient aged 10 to 30 years. Pain may be a sign of a fracture or malignant transformation. If fracture occurs, the enchondroma may be treated with removal and bone grafting. No…
encephalopathy, mitochondrial See MELAS syndrome.
encephalopathic syndrome A dangerous condition that is associated with lithium toxicity.
encephalomyelitis Inflammation of both the brain and the spinal cord. Encephalomyelitis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including viruses that infect the nervous system. One type of encephalomyelitis, acute disseminatedencephalomyelitis, occurs most commonly after an acute viral infection, such as measles (rubeola). It is due to an autoimmune attack on the nervous system,…
encephalitis, West Nile See West Nile virus.
encephalitis Inflammation of the brain, which may be caused by a bacterium, a virus, or an allergic reaction. Some forms of viral encephalitis are contagious. Encephalitis usually runs a short course, with full recovery within a week, but can cause brain damage and death. Treatment of encephalitis must begin as early as possible to avoid…
encapsulated Confined to a specific area. For example, an encapsulated tumor remains in a compact form.
enanthem A rash inside the body. Koplik spots within the mouth in measles constitute enanthem. By contrast, a rash on the outside of the body is called exanthem. A patient with measles can have both exanthem and enanthem. See also exanthem; measles; rash.