A gland on the left side of the body, behind the stomach and in front of the spine. It produces juices that help break down food and hormones that help control blood sugar levels.

Complete paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord.

Condition characterized by a weakness or partial loss of voluntary movement or impaired movement.

The failure of the ductus arteriosus to close shortly after birth. The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that is present in all babies while still in the womb that allows blood to bypass the pathway to the lungs.

The cavity in the lower part of the abdomen and the bone that protects the organs located there (ovaries, uterus, lower intestines, appendix, bladder)

Fluid around the heart. An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity.

A procedure in which an opening is made in the pericardium to drain fluid that has accumulated around the heart.

The surgical removal of part or most of the pericardium, the fluid filled sac that surrounds the heart and the proximal ends of the aorta, vena cava, and the pulmonary artery.

Medical procedure that uses a needle to remove fluid from the pericardial sac, the tissue that surrounds the heart.

Condition in which the sac-like covering around the heart (pericardium) becomes inflamed.

Health profession which aims the physical treatment and management of disease or condition which enables people to reach their maximum potential.

Problem of pregnancy in which the placenta grows in the lowest part of the womb (uterus) and covers all or part of the opening to the cervix. Almost always requires C-section delivery.

Excess fluid that builds up between the two pleural layers, the fluid-filled space that surrounds the lungs. Too much fluid can impair breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs.

Surgical removal of the lining around the lungs.

Surgical puncture and drainage of the thoracic cavity; also called thoracentesis.

Procedure that adheres the outside of the lung to the inside of the chest cavity to prevent excess fluid collection in the space.

An infection of the lungs that is usually caused by bacteria or viruses.

Causes many cysts (fluid-filled sacs) to develop in the kidneys. There are many causes, but the most common type is inherited.

A permanent birthmark that starts out pink, but turns darker red or purple as a child grows. Most often, a port-wine stain appears on the face and neck, but it can affect other areas of the body.

Type of gestational hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140/90) plus protein in the urine (>300 mg of protein in a 24-hour urine sample).

Also known as long QT Syndrome; refers to a group of disorders that increase the risk for sudden death due to an abnormal heartbeat.

Heart defect present at birth in which the pulmonary valvewhich is normally located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary arteryis abnormal and doesn_t open.

Disease marked by scarring in the lungs in which the tissue deep in the lungs becomes thick, stiff and scarred. The condition impairs breathing and may eventually cause pulmonary hypertension.

High blood pressure in the arteries to the lungs. It is a serious condition for which there are treatments but no cure.

A thickened or fused heart valve that does not fully open. The heart must then work harder to pump blood out of the heart, into the pulmonary artery, and then to the lungs.

The pulmonary artery is weak and not able to close tightly so blood leaks backwards rather than steadily pumping forwards.