Glossary

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor. A family of receptor tyrosine kinases that play a crucial role in regulating angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) and lymphangiogenesis (lymphatic vessel formation). Abnormalities in these proteins with associated disruption in signaling pathways are instrumental in many diseases.

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.

Vein of Galen Malformation – A congenital malformation of blood vessels connecting to the Vein of Galen, a large vein at the center of the brain which drains into the Straight Sagittal Sinus.

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.

ventricular septal defect – a hole in the wall (septum) dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart.

World Health Organization