PSEUDOICTERUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pseudoicterus is a term used in the medical field to describe a condition where a person exhibits clinical signs that mimic jaundice, but do not actually indicate the presence of increased bilirubin levels in the blood. Jaundice, or icterus, is characterized by the yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae due to elevated bilirubin levels.
The prefix "pseudo-" in pseudoicterus signifies that the symptoms resembling jaundice are false or misleading. Pseudoicterus may manifest as a yellowing of the skin or eyes, prompting concerns over liver dysfunction or gallbladder issues. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the yellow discoloration is caused by factors other than bilirubin.
There are various reasons why pseudoicterus may occur. In some cases, the condition is a result of the accumulation of other pigments in the body, such as carotenoids, which are present in certain foods or vitamin supplements. Additionally, certain medications or the use of cosmetics containing dyes can cause skin yellowing, giving a false impression of jaundice. Other underlying health conditions, such as hypothyroidism or certain types of anemia, can also display similar symptoms.
It is important for medical professionals to differentiate between true icterus and pseudoicterus, as the causative factors and appropriate treatments differ. Accurate diagnosis and identification of the underlying cause of the symptoms are crucial in ensuring appropriate medical interventions and management.
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Discoloration of the skin not due to the bile pigments, as in Addison's disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PSEUDOICTERUS
- pseudoicteru3
- pseudoicteruc
- pseudoicteruq
- pseudoicterur
- pseudewicterus
- pseudueicterus
- ps eudoicterus
- pse udoicterus
- pseu doicterus
- pseud oicterus
- pseudo icterus
- pseudoi cterus
- pseudoic terus
- pseudoict erus
- pseudoicte rus
- pseudoicter us
- pseudoicteru s
Etymology of PSEUDOICTERUS
The term "pseudoicterus" combines two Greek roots: "pseudo" and "icterus".
1. "Pseudo" (Ψευδο in Greek) means false or deceptive. It is commonly used as a prefix in medical terminology to indicate something that mimics or appears similar to a certain condition but is not actually that condition.
2. "Icterus" (ἴκτερος in Greek) refers to a yellow coloration, particularly relating to jaundice. It is ultimately derived from the Greek word "ikteros", which refers to a yellow bird, possibly the yellow wagtail, which has a yellowish tint to its plumage.
Combining these two roots, "pseudoicterus" refers to a condition that resembles or imitates jaundice, but is not true jaundice itself.
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