Pathergy
Pathergy (pronounced: /ˈpæθərdʒi/) is a medical term that refers to an exaggerated skin injury response, often observed in certain autoimmune diseases such as Behçet's disease. The term is derived from the Greek words "pathos" meaning suffering and "ergon" meaning work.
Definition
Pathergy is a phenomenon where minor trauma triggers an exaggerated inflammatory response in the skin or mucous membranes. This reaction is not typical in healthy individuals and is often used as a diagnostic tool for certain autoimmune diseases.
Clinical Significance
The pathergy test is a diagnostic tool used to identify the presence of Behçet's disease. The test involves pricking the skin with a needle and observing the response. A positive pathergy test is characterized by the development of a sterile pustule or papule 24 to 48 hours after the skin prick.
Related Terms
- Autoimmune disease: A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.
- Behçet's disease: A rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout the body.
- Inflammation: A process by which the body's white blood cells and substances they produce protect us from infection with foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pathergy
- Wikipedia's article - Pathergy
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