K

Definition Kniest dysplasia is collagenopathy collagen II affecting bone growth and is characterized by short stature (dwarfism), other skeletal abnormalities, and hearing and vision problems. The latter are mostly myopia, vitreous degeneration, and retinal detachment. Skeletal features may include kyphoscoliosis, platyspondyly, dumbbell-shaped bones in the arms and legs, long, gnarled …

What is Kaposi sarcoma? Kaposi sarcoma is a rare cancer that gained widespread attention during the early days of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency (HIV/AIDS) infections. Since then, innovative medical research and treatment significantly reduced the number of Kaposi sarcoma cases. People with weakened immune systems are susceptible to Kaposi …

Definition Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital malformation involving blood and lymph vessels and abnormal growth of soft and bone tissue. Typical symptoms include hemangiomas (abnormal benign growths on the skin consisting of masses of blood vessels) and varicose veins.  Fused toes or fingers, or extra toes or fingers, …

What is kwashiorkor? Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition that is most common in areas of drought and famine. It is due to inadequate protein in the diet despite an adequate caloric intake. Symptoms may include irritability and fatigue followed by slowed growth, weight loss, and muscle wasting, generalized swelling, …

Definition Keloid scars are simply means your skin has suffered a wound. This is most often caused by an injury or through surgery. There are tissues in your body called fibrous tissue. These tissues are also known as scar tissues and they will form scars right over a wound. Sometimes …

Definition A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine (hematuria) and often severe pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin. Kidney stones are sometimes called renal calculi. The condition of having …

Description Kabuki syndrome is a rare, multisystem disorder characterized by multiple abnormalities including distinctive facial features, growth delays, varying degrees of intellectual disability, skeletal abnormalities, and short stature. A wide variety of additional symptoms affecting multiple different organ systems can potentially occur. The specific symptoms associated with Kabuki syndrome can …

Definition Koilonychia is a condition where the nails do not develop normally and are very thin and concaved with raised edges. Due to the concavity of the nails, they are also known as “spoon” nails. Other than the concavity, koilonychia also affects the texture, color, shape, and thickness of the …