Leak
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Leak (medical)
Leak (pronounced: leek) is a term used in the medical field to describe an abnormal passage of fluid or semi-solid matter from a bodily structure to another structure or to the outside, often caused by an injury or a defect.
Etymology
The term "leak" originates from the Old English word "leccan" which means to "let out water". In the medical context, it has been used since the late 14th century.
Types of Medical Leaks
- Blood Vessel Leak: This refers to a condition where blood escapes from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. This can occur due to injury, disease, or a defect in the blood vessel wall.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: This is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) escapes from the meninges (the membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord) and leaks out through the nose or ear.
- Air Leak Syndrome: This is a group of lung disorders in newborns, where air leaks from the lungs into the chest cavity.
- Gastrointestinal Leak: This refers to a condition where contents of the gastrointestinal tract leak into the abdominal cavity. This can occur due to injury, disease, or a surgical complication.
Related Terms
- Fistula: An abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result of injury or surgery, but they can also result from an infection or inflammation.
- Perforation: A hole that develops through the wall of a body organ. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, disease, or wear and tear.
- Effusion: The escape of fluid into a body cavity. This can occur in various conditions, such as pleural effusion (fluid in the chest cavity) or pericardial effusion (fluid in the heart sac).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leak
- Wikipedia's article - Leak
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