rachischisis
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A congenital defect characterized by malformation of one or more vertebrae. It is often asymptomatic unless multiple vertebrae are involved or it is accompanied by a more severe condition like myelomeningocele. This defect can be identified prenatally through amniocentesis.
Usage
The term is used in medical contexts to describe a specific type of spinal column defect present from birth. * The ultrasound findings were consistent with a diagnosis of rachischisis. * Isolated rachischisis of a single vertebra may not cause any neurological symptoms.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often part of a differential diagnosis when discussing neural tube defects.
- In detailed medical descriptions, rachischisis may be classified by the specific vertebrae involved (e.g., thoracic rachischisis).
Variants and Related Words
- Spina bifida: A broader category of neural tube defects that involves the spine. Rachischisis is considered a severe form of spina bifida.
- Myelomeningocele: A specific, severe type of spina bifida where the spinal cord and membranes protrude through the spine. Rachischisis may occur alongside this condition.
Synonyms
- Spinal dysraphism (a more general term for defects in the fusion of the neural tube)
- Split spine (a non-technical descriptive term)
Different Meanings
This word has a single, specific meaning in medical terminology and does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses.
Noun
- a not uncommon congenital defect in which a vertebra is malformed; unless several vertebrae are affected or there is myelomeningocele there are few symptoms; can be diagnosed by amniocentesis