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Overview of Long QT Syndrome Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disease that can cause a dangerous rapid heart rate and irregular rhythm involving the bottom pumping chambers of the heart (ventricles). The heart has both muscular and electrical components. Electricity flowing through the heart muscle triggers the muscle to …

Definition Livedo reticularis (LR) is a common vascular reaction pattern characterized by a reticular (net-like) discoloration on the extremities and trunk. It is caused by decreased blood flow to the skin or impaired outflow in the dermal venous plexus and stagnation of the blood within these vessels. The darker, discolored …

What is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a rare bacterial infection we get from animals. It’s spread through their urine, especially from dogs, rodents, and farm animals. They may not have any symptoms, but they can be carriers. In most cases, leptospirosis is unpleasant but not life-threatening, like a case of the …

What is Lymphangitis? Lymphangitis is an infection or inflammation of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a crucial part of the immune system. It is designed to collect fluids from cells and tissues in the body and help them re-enter the bloodstream. The organs within the lymphatic system, such …

What is leukonychia? Leukonychia also called white nail syndrome, can occur with arsenic poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia. Leukonychia was first described by Mees in 1919, as an associated finding in arsenic intoxication. Leukonychia or white nail describes the appearance of one or more fingernails and/or toenails that …

What is Lipodystrophy? Lipodystrophy syndromes are rare disorders marked by a lack of body fat just beneath the skin’s surface. Which type a person has is determined by the patterns of fat loss on the body and whether the disease is acquired or genetic. Due to the body’s inability to …

Lewy body dementia – Overview Lewy body dementia, also known as dementia with Lewy bodies, is the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, develop in nerve cells in the brain regions involved in thinking, memory and movement (motor control). Lewy body …

What are leg cramps? Leg cramps are sudden, involuntary, intense muscle pains usually in your calf, foot or thigh. You might also know them as a “charley horse.” Sometimes the cramp may cause your leg to spasm – to tighten uncontrollably. Although painful to live with, cramps are generally harmless. …