Dictionary

duodenitis Inflammation of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

duodenal ulcer A crater (ulcer) in the lining of the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). Ulcer formation is caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori. Other factors predisposing a person to ulcers include anti-inflammatory medications and cigarette smoking. Ulcer pain may not correlate with the presence or severity of ulceration. Diagnosis is made with barium…

dumping syndrome A group of symptoms, including cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, that occur when food or liquid enters the small intestine too rapidly.

due date The estimated calendar date when a baby is due to be born. Also called the estimated date of confinement (EDC).

ductus arteriosus A short vessel through which blood headed from the heart via the pulmonary artery to the lungs is shunted before birth. This blood is shunted away from the lungs and returned to the aorta. When the shunt is open, it is said to be patent. A patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) usually closes at…

ductus See duct.

ductal carcinoma of the breast, infiltrating See carcinoma of the breast, infiltrating ductal.

duct, thoracic See thoracic duct.

duct A walled passageway, such as a lymph duct, that carries fluid from one place to another. Also known as a ductus.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy See DMD.

dual diagnosis A diagnosis of both a mental illness and a substance abuse disorder.

DTs See delirium tremens.