Glossary

Vascular endothelial growth factor – This is a signaling protein in the platelet-derived growth factor family that stimulates vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It is secreted by cells where there is oxygen deprivation in the normal state and also are secreted by rapidly growing population of cells such as occur with cancers.

VI = FHI /ID, where the FHI or frontal horn index is the largest width of the frontal horns and ID is the internal diameter from inner table to inner table at this level.

Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rod.  This curved, metal rod that attaches to ribs or the spine using hooks present at each end of the rod.  It is used to straighten the spine and correct chest deformities by separating the ribs.

von Hippel Lindau – VHL is an autosomal dominant genetic condition (mutation of the 3p25.3 chromsome’s von Hipple-Lindau suppressor gene) associated within central nervous system, the retina of hte eye and the kidneys. It is rare with a prevalence fo 1 in 35,000 to 50,000 individuals. There are other associated pathologies including renal angioma, renal cell carcinoma (clear cell variety) and pheochromocytoma.

an intermediate filament found in cells. It was once thought to found only in mesenchymal cells and as a consequence staining for this element was thought ot be specific for sarcomas dn other mesenchymal cell tumors. This has not proven to be the case and it has been shown to be present in many tumors to a point that it’s routine use is diminishing.

Ventriculo-peritoneal – as in ventricular peritoneal shunt, a hydrocephalic shunt whose distal catheter drains into the peritoneal cavity.

Vital Signs.  Refers to the measurement of basic bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature, and blood pressure.

World Health Organization

This is the line formed by drawing a line along the dorsal surface of the clivus and extending it inferiorly to the upper cervical canal.  Normally the dens will be ventral to the line or just touch it but with basilar invagination the dens’ tip touches or is above the line.

Characterized by an accessory tragus or ear tag.