Dictionary

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

ductus See duct.

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…

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

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

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…

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

DPT Diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine. Today the more frequent abbreviation is DTP, for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine. See also DTP immunization.

drain 1 A device for removing fluid from a cavity or wound, typically a tube or wick. 2 As a verb, to allow fluid to be released from a confined area.

DRD See dopa-responsive dystonia.

dream A series of thoughts, visions, and other sensations that occupy the mind during sleep. Dreams occur during that part of sleep when there are rapid eye movements (REM sleep). People have three to five periods of REM sleep per night, which usually come at intervals of 1 to 2 hours and are quite variable…

drip Short for intravenous drip, a device for administering a fluid drop-by-drop into a vein via an intravenous (IV) route.