PSEUDOPHTHISIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pseudophthisis is a medical term referring to a condition characterized by the progressive degeneration and wasting away (atrophy) of the eyeball due to factors other than true phthisis. True phthisis, also known as phthisis bulbi, is a severe ocular condition where the eye becomes shrunken and non-functioning as a result of advanced diseases, such as end-stage glaucoma or severe trauma.
In the case of pseudophthisis, the term "pseudo" indicates that the appearance of phthisis is present, even though the underlying cause may be different. Pseudophthisis can arise due to various pathological processes that lead to the shrinking and degeneration of the eye, including chronic inflammation or infection, long-standing retinal detachment, or other ocular disorders that impair its normal function.
The distinguishing feature of pseudophthisis is that the eye seems shrunken and disorganized, resembling a phthisical eye, while still maintaining some degree of ocular function, unlike true phthisis. However, over time, pseudophthisis can progress to complete eye degeneration and irreparable vision loss.
The diagnosis of pseudophthisis is typically made through a thorough examination of the eye's structure and visual function. Treatment options are limited, often focusing on managing any underlying causes, such as inflammation or infection, to slow down the progression of pseudophthisis and preserve any remaining vision. In severe cases, when the eye is no longer salvageable, surgical removal (enucleation) may be considered.
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A disease resembling pulmonary tuberculosis, but not of tuberculous origin.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PSEUDOPHTHISIS
- oseudophthisis
- lseudophthisis
- -seudophthisis
- 0seudophthisis
- paeudophthisis
- pzeudophthisis
- pxeudophthisis
- pdeudophthisis
- peeudophthisis
- pweudophthisis
- pswudophthisis
- pssudophthisis
- psdudophthisis
- psrudophthisis
- ps4udophthisis
- ps3udophthisis
- pseydophthisis
- psehdophthisis
- psejdophthisis
- pseidophthisis
Etymology of PSEUDOPHTHISIS
The word "pseudophthisis" is derived from the Greek roots "pseudes", meaning false or deceptive, and "phthisis", meaning a wasting or consumption. In ancient medical terminology, "phthisis" referred to a progressive and debilitating lung disease, similar to tuberculosis. "Pseudophthisis", therefore, is a term used to describe a condition that resembles or imitates phthisis, but is not an actual lung disease. It is often used to refer to symptoms that mimic the respiratory problems seen in phthisis, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain, but are caused by other non-infectious conditions.
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