How Do You Spell AORTOMALACIA?

1. Aortomalacia is a medical condition characterized by the softening or weakness of the walls of the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. This condition is primarily caused by the degeneration of the elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells within the aortic wall, leading to a loss of elasticity and structural integrity. As a result, the aorta becomes prone to dilation and may develop an aneurysm, which is an abnormal bulge or swelling.

   Aortomalacia is often associated with various underlying diseases or factors that contribute to the weakening of the aortic wall. These may include aging, hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque inside arteries), genetic disorders, connective tissue diseases (such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), and chronic inflammation.

   The symptoms of aortomalacia can vary depending on the severity and location of the condition. Common signs may include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, and in severe cases, aortic rupture or dissection may occur, leading to life-threatening complications.

   Diagnosis of aortomalacia typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, imaging tests (such as echocardiography, CT scans, or MRI), and sometimes aortic biopsy to determine the underlying cause. Treatment options for aortomalacia depend on the severity and underlying cause and may range from medication to manage symptoms, lifestyle modifications, monitoring the condition with regular check-ups, or in severe cases, surgical intervention to repair or replace the weakened portion of the aorta.

2. Abnormal softening of the walls of the aorta.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for AORTOMALACIA

The word "aortomalacia" is derived from two roots: "aorto-" and "-malacia".

The prefix "aorto-" comes from the Latin word "aort(a)", which refers to the aorta. The aorta is the main artery in the human body that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It originates from the Greek word "αορτή" (aortē).

The suffix "-malacia" is derived from the Greek word "malakia", meaning softness or weakness. It is used in medical terminology to indicate a pathological condition characterized by the softening or weakening of a particular tissue or organ.

Therefore, the word "aortomalacia" refers to a medical condition where the walls of the aorta become soft or weak.

Plural form of AORTOMALACIA is AORTOMALACIAS