Dictionary

dwarfism, Seckel-type See Seckel syndrome.

dwarfism, rhizomelic Dwarfism with shortening especially of the ends of the limbs. See also achondroplasia; dwarfism.

dwarfism, pituitary Dwarfism caused by a lack of growth hormone, usually due to malfunction of the anterior pituitary gland. Children with growth hormone deficiency may grow normally for the first 2 to 3 years of life, but they then fall behind their peers in height. Unlike those with other forms of dwarfism, those with pituitary…

dwarfism, hypochondroplastic See hypochondroplasia.

dwarfism, achondroplastic See achondroplasia.

dwarfism Abnormally short stature, which may be due to a variety of causes. Some forms of dwarfism are hereditary. The Little People of America (LPA) defines dwarfism as a medical or genetic condition that usually results in an adult height of 148 cm (4 feet 10 inches) or shorter, among both men and women. Also…

DVT Deep vein thrombosis.

durable power of attorney A type of advance medical directive in which legal documents provide the power of attorney to another person in the case of an incapacitating medical condition. A durable power of attorney allows another person to make bank transactions, sign Social Security checks, apply for disability, or write checks to pay utility…

dura mater The outermost and most fibrous of the three membranes (dura mater, arachnoid membrane, and pia mater) covering the brain and the spinal cord.

duplication, chromosome The addition of part of another chromosome to a chromosome. This is a common cause of genetic disease. The opposite of deletion.

duodenum The first part of the small intestine. The duodenum is a common site for peptic ulcer formation.

Dupuytren’s contracture A localized formation of scar tissue in the palm of the hand within a tissue (fascia) beneath the skin of the palm that normally covers the tendons that pull the fingers into a grip. As Dupuytren’s contracture progresses, more of the fascia becomes thickened and shortened. Dimpling and puckering of the skin over…