Letter A

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AP WINDOW (aorticopulmonary window)

The space between the aortic arch and the left main pulmonary artery.  This is located near the central part of the chest.

APHASIA

Inability to speak clearly or coherently.

APPENDICOLITH

Stone within appendix. It can be associated appendicitis, if the stone causes blockage within the appendix.

AQUEDUCT

A canal.  In the brain there are aqueducts that connect different parts of the ventricles, or fluid containing structures.

ARACHNOID CYST

A fluid collection that is formed by the covering of the brain.  It is usually benign and not cancerous.  If large they can cause pressure on the brain.

ARACHNOID GRANULATION

A small collection of fluid in a sac that is part of the brain lining. They are benign and not cancerous.  They are normal structures that help in the absorption of brain fluid or “CSF”. Think of them like little sponges soaking up water.

ARACHNOIDITIS

An infection of the arachnoid tissue.  The arachnoid tissue is the thin covering over the brain and spine.  It usually occurs in the spinal column as a result of previous surgery or infection/inflammation.  Often the nerve roots of the spine are described as having a “clumped” or bunched-up appearance.

ARCHITECTURAL DISTORTION

Usually, the glandular tissues in the breast are spread out fairly evenly or symmetrical to the other breast. Architectural distortion is when one area of the breast looks “different” than the other parts of the breast. This can be caused by normal anatomic variation, cancer or changes caused by prior surgery or radiation therapy.

ARTHROPATHY

Bone disease.  All inclusive term that deals with any bone disease.

ARTHROPLASTY

Joint replacement surgery. Hips, knees, and shoulders are most common locations for this type of surgery.