Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

pancytopenia, Fanconi
See 
anemia, Fanconi.
PANDAS
Pediatric autoimmune disorders associ-
ated with streptococcus, the sudden onset of symp-
toms such as those of obsessive-compulsive
disorder or Tourette’s syndrome following infection
with streptococcus bacteria. PANDAS is caused by
an autoimmune reaction that affects the basal gan-
glia in the brain. Diagnosis is primarily made
through observation. Treatment involves cognitive
behavioral therapy and medication for specific
symptoms. See also 
obsessive
-
compulsive disor-
der; streptococcus; Tourette’s syndrome.
pandemic 1
An epidemic of disease that is very
widespread, affecting a whole region, a continent,
or the world.
2
Widely epidemic. For example,
AIDS is currently pandemic in Africa.
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pandemic
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pandiculation
The act of stretching and yawning.
panencephalitis, subacute sclerosing
See
subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
panic
A sudden strong feeling of fear that pre-
vents reasonable thought or action. The word
comes from the name of the Greek woodland god
Pan, who was a frightening figure—part human,
part goat—and whose pet caprice was to terrify
people who ventured into rural areas.
panic attack
A sudden attack of fear or panic,
often accompanied by physical symptoms such as
tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), chest pressure or
pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, tingling, and
anxiety. Hyperventilation, agitation, and withdrawal
are common results. See also 
panic disorder.
panic disorder
An anxiety disorder that is char-
acterized by sudden attacks of fear and panic. Panic
attacks may occur without a known reason, but more
frequently they are triggered by fear-producing events
or thoughts, such as taking an elevator or driving.
Symptoms of panic attacks include rapid heartbeat,
strange chest sensations, shortness of breath, dizzi-
ness, tingling, and anxiousness. Hyperventilation, agi-
tation, and withdrawal are common results. Panic
disorder is believed to be due to an abnormal activa-
tion of the body’s hormonal system, causing a sudden
“fight or flight” response. Treatment involves cogni-
tive behavioral therapy, using exposure to effect
symptom reduction, and use of medication.
panniculectomy
A surgical procedure that
removes excess, loose skin and fat from the lower
abdomen, typically performed after massive weight
loss. It may be performed in conjunction with other
abdominal surgeries. A panniculectomy is one type
of body-contouring surgery.
panniculitis
The inflammation of fatty tissue
beneath the skin. It is associated with a number of
different medical conditions. Some cases are asso-
ciated with an inflammation of the blood vessels
and/or connective tissue.