mania An abnormally elevated mood state that is characterized by such symptoms as inappropriate elation, increased irritability, severe insomnia, grandiose notions, increased speed and/or volume of speech, disconnected and racing thoughts, increased sexual desire, markedly increased energy and activity level, poor judgment, and inappropriate social behavior. A mild form of mania that does not require…
manic In a state of mania.
manic depression See bipolar disorder.
manic-depressive disease See bipolar disorder.
Mantle cell lymphoma A type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that originates from a specific type of B lymphocytes. Abbreviated MCL. Most cases of MCL are associated with a specific chromosome translocation, t(11;14). MCL has a poor prognosis.
MAO Monoamine oxydase, an enzyme that is active in the nervous system. All the effects of MAO are not known, but it is known that MAO acts against the neurotransmitter epinephrine.
MAO inhibitor One of a family of medications (brand names: Aurorex, Nardil, Parnate) that act to limit the activity of monoamine oxydase (MAO) in the nervous system. MAOIs are prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, migraine, and selected other conditions in patients who are not responsive to other medications. They interact with many overthe-counter medications and…
MAOI Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.
map-dot-fingerprint type corneal dystrophy See Cogan corneal dystrophy.
maple syrup urine disease A hereditary disease that is due to deficiency of an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism, characterized by urine that smells like maple syrup. In maple syrup urine disease, the three branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) cannot be metabolized (processed), and they build up in the blood, causing problems…
marasmus See cachexia.
Marfan syndrome An inherited disorder of connective tissue that is characterized by abnormalities of the eyes, skeleton, and cardiovascular system. Nearsightedness (myopia) is the most common eye feature in Marfan syndrome. Displacement of the lens from the center of the pupil occurs in more than half of patients. Patients with Marfan syndrome have an increased…