Dictionary

atheroma A fatty deposit in the inner lining (intima) of an artery, resulting from atherosclerosis. Also called an atherosclerotic plaque, an arterial plaque, or a plaque.

atherosclerosis The presence of fatty lipid deposits in the lining (intima) of an artery. Atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis. See also arteriosclerosis.

aseptic necrosis See avascular necrosis.

ASO Antistreptolysin-O, a blood test that looks for antibodies to the streptococcus A bacteria. Also abbreviated ASLO.

aspartate aminotransferase An enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells that is released into the blood when the liver or heart is damaged. Abbreviated AST. Some medications can also raise blood AST levels. Also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).

Asperger syndrome A disorder related to autism characterized by obsessive interests and behavior, but without speech delay or mental retardation. Other features of Asperger syndrome include physical clumsiness, and/or moderate to severe social deficits. Asperger syndrome is the mildest of and at the highest functioning end of the spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders (the autism…

aspergillosis Infection with the fungus Aspergillus, seen especially in people with compromised immune systems in whom there may be invasive lung infection and sometimes spread to other tissues, including the brain, the skin, and bones. Aspergillosis also causes allergic sinusitis and allergic bronchopulmonary disease.

Aspergillus A family of fungal organisms and molds, some of which can cause disease.

asphyxia Impaired breathing.

aspirate To suck in. For example, a person may aspirate by accidentally drawing material from the stomach into the lungs, and a physician can aspirate fluid from a joint. See also arthrocentesis; aspiration.

aspiration 1 Removal of a sample of fluid and cells through a needle. 2 The accidental sucking of food, fluid, vomit, or other foreign material into the lungs.

aspiration, joint See arthrocentesis.