Glossary

Imaging: Angiogram: An x-ray representation of blood vessels made after the injection of a radio-opaque dye. Used to visualize the inner layer of blood vessels, and to determine the location and degree of narrowing or dilation. CAT Scan (CT scan): A Computerized Axial Tomography scan is an x-ray tube that rotates in a circle around the patient, making many pictures as it rotates. The multiple x-ray pictures are reconstructed by a computer in cross-sectional images, permitting doctors to examine “slices” through different organs. Catheterization: The insertion of a small plastic tube into a blood vessel, for the purpose of infusing fluid or radio-opaque dye (as in angiography), or for the purpose of sampling blood. Chest X Ray: A chest x ray is a painless test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Abnormal chest x-ray results may show whether vasculitis is affecting your lungs or your large arteries (such as the aorta or the pulmonary arteries). MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Another x-ray, similar to a CT scan. MRI scans also provide cross-sectional images of body organs. Because MRI technology involves the use of a large magnet, people with pacemakers, metallic aneurysm clips, and other metallic inserts are not eligible to have these studies.
Immune complex: Antibody and antigen bound together.
Immunity: Body’s defense against foreign substances.
Immunity: Body’s defense against foreign substances.
Immunoglobulins: A class of proteins present in the serum and cells of the immune system that function as antibodies.
Immunosuppression: the partial or complete suppression of the immune response of an individual.
Immunosuppression: the partial or complete suppression of the immune response of an individual.
Incidence: The number of new cases of a disease in a population over a period of time.
Infarction: Localized necrosis resulting from obstruction of the blood supply. Myocardial infarction is another name for a heart attack.
Infection: Invasion by and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms in part of the body, or in the body’s bloodstream.
Inflammation: Swelling, heat, and redness resulting from the infiltration of white blood cells in tissues.
Interferon: Protein that fights infection.
Ischemia: A decrease in the blood supply to an organ, tissue, or body part caused by constriction or obstruction of the blood vessels.