Diastematopyelia is a medical term used to describe the presence of a gap or separation between the vertebrae in the spine. The word is pronounced "dye-ah-stem-ah-toe-pie-lee-ah" and is written in phonetic transcription as /daɪəˌstɛmətoʊˈpiːliə/. The first syllable is pronounced like "dye", the second like "stem", and the third like "ah". The fourth syllable is pronounced like "toe", followed by "pie" and "lee" in the final two syllables. The spelling of this complex word can be confusing, but knowing its phonetic transcription can help in pronunciation.
Diastematopyelia is a medical term used to describe a congenital anomaly or malformation that affects the urinary system. Specifically, it refers to the presence of multiple or excessive calyces in the renal pelvis of the kidney.
The renal pelvis is a hollow space in the kidney that collects urine before it is transported to the bladder. Normally, it contains a few calyces, which are cup-like structures that receive urine from the kidney's collecting ducts. However, in cases of diastematopyelia, there is an abnormal increase in the number of calyces present in the renal pelvis.
This condition is usually present from birth and can vary in severity. Mild cases may have a few additional calyces, while severe cases can have a significant increase in the number of calyces, leading to a distorted renal pelvis. The excess calyces can result in obstruction of urine flow, which may lead to various complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or even kidney damage over time.
Diastematopyelia is typically diagnosed through imaging studies such as ultrasounds or intravenous pyelograms. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition and the associated symptoms. Mild cases may not require any intervention, but monitoring of kidney function and regular follow-ups are recommended. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the excess calyces or correct any urinary tract obstruction.
Congenital separation between the pubic bones.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "diastematopyelia" is a medical term composed of three individual roots: "diastema", "tomo", and "pyleos".
1. "Diastema" comes from the Greek word "diastéma", meaning "a gap", "space", or "interval".
2. "Tomos" is a Greek root meaning "to cut" or "section", which often refers to a tomography examination.
3. "Pyleos" is derived from the Greek word "pýlos", which means "gate" or "entrance".
When combined, "diastematopyelia" refers to a condition in which there is a gap or space between the renal pelvis (entrance or gate to the kidney) and the calyces (cup-like structures into which urine is drained within the kidney).