Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

angina pectoris
See 
angina.
angioedema
A skin condition that resembles
hives but affects a deeper skin layer causing local-
ized swellings of soft tissues, such as the tongue or
lips. Angioedema can be a sign of an allergic reac-
tion. See also 
angioedema, hereditary.
angioedema, hereditary
A genetic form of
angioedema. Persons with it are born lacking the
enzyme C1 esterase inhibitor, a protein that nor-
mally inhibits the activation of a cascade of proteins.
Without this inhibitor protein, angioedema occurs,
resulting in recurrent attacks of swollen tissues,
pain in the abdomen, and swelling of the voice box
(larynx), which can compromise breathing. The
diagnosis of hereditary angioedema is confirmed by
finding subnormal blood levels of C1 esterase
inhibitor. Treatment and prevention options include
antihistamines and male steroids (androgens). Also
known as hereditary angioneurotic edema. See also
angioedema.
angiogenesis
The process of developing new
blood vessels. Angiogenesis is critically important
during the normal development of the embryo and
fetus. It also appears to be important during tumor
formation.
angiogram
An X-ray image of blood vessels. The
vessels can be seen because a contrast dye within
them blocks the X-rays from developing an imaging
film.
angioid streaks
Tiny breaks in the elastin-filled
tissue in the retina in the back of the eye. Angioid
streaks are seen in patients with pseudoxanthoma
elasticum, a rare disorder of degeneration of the
elastic fibers with tiny areas of calcification in the
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angioid streaks
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skin, retinae, and blood vessels, and they are visible
during an examination using an ophthalmoscope.
Angioid streaks can cause blindness.