Pituitary Glossary starting with I

Within the sella turcica.

The sella turcica is the bony structure at the base of the skull in which the pituitary gland rests.

Into a tumor (usually performed during surgery).

Into a tumor (usually performed during surgery).

Within the uterus.

Inside the uterus (the hollow muscular organ in which the impregnated ovum or egg is developed into an infant).

Into a vein.

Into or within a vein. Intravenous usually refers to a way of giving a drug or other substance through a needle or tube inserted into a vein (IV).

Radiography of kidneys, ureters, and bladder following injection of contrast medium into a peripheral vein.

X-ray study of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The x-rays are taken after a dye is injected into a blood vessel. The dye is concentrated in the urine, which outlines the kidneys, ureters, and bladder on the x-rays. Also called intravenous pyelogram and IVP.
An x-ray examination specifically designed to study the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder). After an iodine-based contrast dye is injected into a vein, a series of images are taken at timed intervals. The kidneys will remove the contrast dye from the blood and collect it in urine. Abnormalities in the appearance of the kidneys or ureters, in distribution of contrast within a kidney, unequal amounts of dye in each kidney, or in the collecting systems can be identified. The procedure helps evaluate the bladder and the kidneys for infections, blood in the urine, flank pain (possible kidney stones), and tumors; as well as evaluating the urinary tract for damage after an abdominal injury. Computed tomography (CT) has replaced IVP as the primary tool for evaluation of the urinary system, because they can be rapidly performed, use less contrast solution, and provide additional imaging of the abdomen which may reveal other potential sources for the patient’s symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also being used to look at the kidneys, ureters and bladder; having the advantage of using no radiation.

Into a ventricle.

Intraventricular infusion is the delivery of a drug into a fluid-filled cavity within the heart or brain.

Refers to a tumor that invades healthy tissues. The opposite of encapsulated. Also called diffuse or infiltrating.

Procedures that violate the body are also called invasive.

Immunoradiometric assay.

Immunoradiometric assay.

Treatment by ionizing radiation, such as x-rays, or radioactive sources such as radioactive iodine seeds.

The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic irradiation uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called radiation therapy and radiotherapy. See radiation therapy.

Characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel function – alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and prescribed medications. For some people, however, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, attend social events, or even travel short distances.
As many as 20 percent of the adult population, or one in five Americans, have symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it begins before the age of 35 in about 50 percent of people.