ANGIOID STREAK Meaning and
Definition
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Angioid streak is a medical condition characterized by the presence of small crack-like lesions in the retina, which resemble blood vessels. These streaks typically appear as thin, reddish-brown lines that radiate outward from the optic nerve, although they can also be found in other parts of the eye. The condition is named angioid, derived from the Greek words for blood vessel (angeion) and resembling (oid), to reflect the streaks' resemblance to blood vessels.
Angioid streaks are often associated with certain systemic disorders, particularly pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues. PXE can cause the elastic fibers in the blood vessels and other organs to become abnormally mineralized, weakening the structural integrity of these tissues. Consequently, the retina's supporting Bruch's membrane, which is made up of collagen and elastic fibers, becomes susceptible to cracking, leading to the development of angioid streaks.
Although angioid streaks themselves do not result in vision loss, they can render the retina more vulnerable to other eye conditions. Complications associated with angioid streaks include choroidal neovascularization, the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the choroid layer, which can lead to vision impairment. Additionally, angioid streaks may be linked to retinal detachments, macular degeneration, and subretinal hemorrhages.
Diagnosing angioid streaks usually involves a comprehensive eye examination, including dilated fundus examination, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography. There is currently no cure for angioid streaks. However, management strategies primarily focus on treating associated complications, such as implementing laser therapy or administering anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections to manage
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Etymology of ANGIOID STREAK
The word "angioid" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "angeion", meaning "vessel", and "eidos", meaning "form" or "shape". The term "angioid" is generally used in medicine to describe a resemblance to blood vessels.
The term "streak" comes from Old Norse "strekr", meaning "stroke" or "line". It is also related to the Middle Low German "streke" and Old High German "strec", both having similar meanings.
Therefore, the etymology of "angioid streak" indicates that it refers to a streak or line with the appearance or resemblance of blood vessels. In a medical context, it typically refers to ophthalmological conditions that involve the presence of abnormal vessel-like lines in the eye.
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