The spelling of "atheromatous abscess" can be a bit tricky to figure out, especially when it comes to pronunciation. In terms of the IPA phonetic transcription, "atheromatous" would be written as /ˌæθərəˈmoʊtəs/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. Meanwhile, "abscess" is written as /ˈæbsəs/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. Together, "atheromatous abscess" is pronounced as /ˌæθərəˈmoʊtəs ˈæbsəs/. This term refers to a collection of pus within an atherosclerotic plaque, commonly found in the walls of arteries.
An atheromatous abscess is a medical term that refers to a localized collection of pus within the wall of an artery, typically occurring as a result of atherosclerosis. The term is derived from the combination of "atheroma," which refers to a fatty deposit within an artery, and "abscess," which describes a pocket of infected fluid.
Atheromatous abscesses usually develop in advanced stages of atherosclerosis, a chronic condition characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol, inflammatory cells, and other substances on the inner walls of arteries. As the atherosclerotic plaque progresses, it can lead to the formation of a cavity or channel within the artery wall. If this cavity becomes infected, it can give rise to an atheromatous abscess.
The abscess can cause further damage to the arterial wall, weakening its structure and potentially leading to complications such as rupture or blockage of the blood vessel. Common symptoms associated with an atheromatous abscess may include localized pain, tenderness, and swelling, particularly in the affected area. In some cases, the abscess may erode into the arterial lumen, triggering a life-threatening condition known as arterial rupture.
Treatment for an atheromatous abscess typically involves a combination of antibiotic therapy to manage the infection and surgical interventions to drain the abscess and restore arterial integrity. Additionally, efforts to control risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and smoking, are crucial in preventing the development of atheromatous abscesses and reducing the overall burden of atherosclerotic disease.
A circumscribed area of atheromatous softening in the wall of an artery.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "atheromatous abscess" can be broken down into two parts: "atheromatous" and "abscess".
1. Atheromatous:
The term "atheromatous" is derived from the Greek word "athera", meaning "gruel" or "paste", and "oma", meaning "tumor" or "mass". An atheroma refers to a fatty deposit or plaque formed inside the walls of arteries, typically associated with atherosclerosis.
2. Abscess:
The word "abscess" originates from the Latin word "abscessus", which means "a going away" or "departure". In medical terminology, an abscess refers to a localized collection of pus formed in tissue due to an infection.