Clinical Definition A venous thromboembolism is a medical condition, which includes a pulmonary embolism and a deep vein thrombosis. It occurs when a thrombus develops in a vein in the body and obstructs blood flow. Thrombus formation can occur due to several factors, such as venous stasis, inactivity and damage to the vessel walls. In…
Ventricular Fibrillation
Clinical Definition Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, marked by rapid, unsynchronized depolarization of the ventricles. Contractions are uncoordinated and ineffective at maintaining proper circulation and blood pressure. Ventricular fibrillation leads to cardiac arrest if not treated immediately. In Our Own Words Ventricular fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm, which can be fatal if not reversed…
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)Hole in the heart
Clinical Definition Ventricular septal defect is a congenital cardiac condition in which the septum separating the ventricles has an abnormal opening, allowing blood to flow directly between the ventricles. Oxygenated blood is shunted back into the pulmonary circulation, which can lead to pulmonary congestion. Clinical presentation and treatment depend on the size of the opening.…
Ventricular Tachycardia
Clinical Definition Ventricular tachycardia is a cardiac arrhythmia, originating in the right or left ventricle of the myocardium. Due to the rapid rhythm the myocardium is not able to fill with blood prior to contraction. This prevents blood from circulating through the body efficiently. Ventricular tachycardia may develop due to cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease or…
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Clinical Definition Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a relatively rare eye disorder involving the palpebral conjunctiva and/or the limbus of the eye. It occurs bilaterally and an allergic response may play a major role. The condition most frequently affects boys and young men in dry subtropical climates. Cobblestone papillae may develop on the upper palpebra. Intense itching,…
Vertebroplasty
Clinical Definition Vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat compression fractures of the spine including the lumbar or thoracic spine. The procedure involves injecting a medical grade surgical cement into the vertebral body, which is intended to stabilize the fracture and decrease pain. In Our Own Words Osteoporosis and other conditions may cause the…
Vertigo
Clinical Definition Vertigo is a neurological condition characterized by the perception of dizziness, light-headedness, loss of balance, blurred vision and nausea. In many cases, episodes are triggered by a sudden, biomechanical change in the positioning of the head. In Our Own Words What we may call dizziness can actually be further classified into a bunch…