Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
stenosis
Pronunciation: steh-NO-sis
Abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel that restricts blood flow.
Full Definition
Stenosis refers to the pathological narrowing of blood vessels, typically caused by atherosclerotic plaque buildup, inflammation, or other vascular diseases. In vascular imaging, stenosis is quantified as a percentage of vessel diameter reduction compared to normal vessel caliber. Significant stenosis (usually >50-70% depending on the vessel) can compromise blood flow and lead to ischemic complications. Accurate measurement of stenosis severity is crucial for treatment planning and risk stratification in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the degree of stenosis as a percentage when documented.
In Context
- "The imaging revealed 75% stenosis of the right carotid artery." — Vascular surgery report
- "Moderate stenosis was observed in multiple coronary vessels." — Cardiac catheterization report
Also known as
narrowing
constriction
Contrasted with
dilation
ectasia
Don't confuse with
stricture
occlusion