Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

fibrosis, radiation
Scarring of the lungs from
radiation. Radiation fibrosis is a consequence of the
repair process that follows radiation pneumonitis
(inflammation of the lungs due to radiation), as
from radiation therapy. Radiation fibrosis typically
occurs within months to a few years after the com-
pletion of radiation treatments. Whereas the inflam-
mation of radiation pneumonitis is often reversible
with medications, radiation fibrosis is usually irre-
versible and permanent.
fibrositis
See 
fibromyalgia.
fibrous dysplasia, monostotic
See 
mono-
stotic fibrous dysplasia.
fibrous dysplasia, polyostotic
See 
polyostotic
fibrous dysplasia.
fibula
The smaller of the two bones in the lower
leg. The end of the fibula forms the bony promi-
nence of the outer ankle.
fièvre boutonneuse
See 
typhus, African tick.
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fièvre boutonneuse
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fifth disease
A mild disease occurring typically
in children that is caused by parvovirus B-19. The
characteristic symptoms of fifth disease include low-
grade fever, fatigue, a “slapped cheeks” rash, and a
rash over the whole body. Transmission is by
droplets in the air (respiratory secretions) or
through blood. Some children with immunodefi-
ciency (such as those with AIDS or leukemia) or
with certain blood disorders (such as sickle cell
anemia or hemolytic anemia) may become seriously
ill with fifth disease including the development of
anemia. About 80 percent of adults with fifth disease
have joint aches and pains (arthritis), which may
persist for months. Pregnant women who have not
previously had fifth disease should avoid contact
with patients who have it because parvovirus B-19
can infect a fetus prior to birth. Although no birth
defects have been reported as a result of fifth dis-
ease, it can cause the death of an unborn fetus. This
occurs in less than 5 percent of pregnant women
who become infected with the virus. The odd name,
fifth disease, comes from the prevaccination era,
when this disease was often the fifth disease that
a child contracted. Also known as erythema
infectiosum.
filariasis
A parasitic disease caused by the
African eye worm, a microscopic thread-like worm.
The adult worms can only live in the human lymph
system. Lymphatic filariasis affects people in the
tropics and sub-tropics of Asia, Africa, the Western
Pacific, and parts of Central and South America. The
disease spreads from person to person by mosquito
bites. The microscopic worms travel to the lymph
vessels and grow into adults. The adult worms mate
and release millions of microscopic worms into the
blood. The disease usually is not life threatening,
but it can cause permanent damage to the lymphatic
system and kidneys. Because of the damage to the
lymphatic system, fluid collects and causes swelling
(known as lymphedema) in the arms, breasts, legs,
and, for men, the genital area. Also known as lym-
phatic filariasis. See also 
lymphedema.