Skip to main content
Bulletin of the Medical Library Association logoLink to Bulletin of the Medical Library Association
. 1973 Apr;61(2):238–252.

Nomenclatures in Medicine

Jean Kennedy 1,*, Charles E Kossmann 1
PMCID: PMC198671  PMID: 4739885

Abstract

There are three major types of nomenclature of disease, which may be termed clinical, epidemiologic, and investigative. The first is used by the physician to record clinical and pathological data on patients. The second, usually less detailed, is used primarily by health statisticians for broad analyses of administrative, epidemiologic, or vital statistical data and by health registrars for recording causes of death and morbidity. The third is the highly specialized and usually evolving nomenclature of the biomedical investigator working in a limited field of research. A list of the recent nomenclatures of the last type in the subspecialties of Internal Medicine, in Oncology, and in Genetics has been included in this report as an appendix.

Full text

PDF
238

Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

  1. Anderson J. The computer: medical vocabulary and information. Br Med Bull. 1968 Sep;24(3):194–198. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bmb.a070634. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  2. Bellett A. J. Preliminary classification of viruses based on quantitative comparisons of viral nucleic acids. J Virol. 1967 Apr;1(2):245–259. doi: 10.1128/jvi.1.2.245-259.1967. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  3. Bronsky D. Hyperparathyroidism with Albright's osteodystrophy: Case report and a proposed new classification of parathyroid disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1970 Sep;31(3):271–276. doi: 10.1210/jcem-31-3-271. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  4. Carter R. Pulmonary sequestration. Ann Thorac Surg. 1969 Jan;7(1):68–88. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(10)66147-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  5. Cohen S., Milstein C. Structure and biological properties of immunoglobulins. Adv Immunol. 1967;7:1–89. doi: 10.1016/s0065-2776(08)60126-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  6. Cowan S. T. Heretical taxonomy for bacteriologists. J Gen Microbiol. 1970 May;61(2):145–154. doi: 10.1099/00221287-61-2-145. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  7. Cowen J. P. Glossary of chromosomal and genetic terms. II. IMJ Ill Med J. 1967 Aug;132(2):160–169. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  8. Cross R. M. Hodgkin's disease: histological classification and diagnosis. J Clin Pathol. 1969 Mar;22(2):165–182. doi: 10.1136/jcp.22.2.165. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  9. Daves M. L., Pryor R. Cardiac positions: a primer. Am Heart J. 1970 Mar;79(3):408–421. doi: 10.1016/0002-8703(70)90429-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  10. Davis L. S., Collen M. F., Rubin L., Van Brunt E. E. Computer-stored medical record. Comput Biomed Res. 1968 May;1(5):452–469. doi: 10.1016/0010-4809(68)90013-x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  11. Dessertenne F. La nomenclature en polygraphie et le polygramme normal. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) 1968 Oct-Dec;17(4):328–341. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  12. Dickinson R. L. STANDARDIZATION OF NOMENCLATURE OF DISEASE. Bull Med Libr Assoc. 1929 Jan;18(1-2):15–19. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  13. Eddleman E. E., Jr, Bancroft W. H., Jr Quantification of the kinetocardiogram. Comput Biomed Res. 1967 Sep;1(3):237–250. doi: 10.1016/s0010-4809(67)80011-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  14. Elmes P. C. International classification of radiographs of pneumoconioses. Br J Ind Med. 1971 Jan;28(1):93–96. doi: 10.1136/oem.28.1.93. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  15. Fullmer C. D., Short J. G., Allen A., Walker K. Proposed classification for bronchial epithelial cell abnormalities in the category of dyskaryosis. Acta Cytol. 1969 Aug;13(8):459–471. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  16. Garro A. J., Marmur J. Defective bacteriophages. J Cell Physiol. 1970 Dec;76(3):253–263. doi: 10.1002/jcp.1040760305. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  17. Gersch W., Eddy D. M., Dong E., Jr Cardia arrhythmia classification: a heart-beat interval-Markov chain approach. Comput Biomed Res. 1970 Aug;3(4):385–392. doi: 10.1016/0010-4809(70)90043-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  18. Goh K. Classifying acute leukemias. Ann Intern Med. 1972 Feb;76(2):325–326. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-76-2-325. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  19. Goldberg M. F. Classification and pathogenesis of proliferative sickle retinopathy. Am J Ophthalmol. 1971 Mar;71(3):649–665. doi: 10.1016/0002-9394(71)90429-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  20. Goor D. A., Lillehei C. W., Rees R., Edwards J. E. Isolated ventricular septal defect. Development basis for various types and presentation of classification. Chest. 1970 Nov;58(5):468–482. doi: 10.1378/chest.58.5.468. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  21. Gordon B. L. Terminology and content of the medical record. Comput Biomed Res. 1970 Oct 5;3(5):436–444. doi: 10.1016/0010-4809(70)90005-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  22. Hampar B., Miyamoto K., Martos L. M. Serologic classification of Herpes simplex viruses. J Immunol. 1971 Feb;106(2):580–582. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  23. Harris H. W. Definitions in chronic obstructive lung disease. Aspen Emphysema Conf. 1965;8:7–10. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  24. Harrison E. G., Jr, McCormack L. J. Pathologic classification of renal arterial disease in renovascular hypertension. Mayo Clin Proc. 1971 Mar;46(3):161–167. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  25. Jackson H. The transposition complexes and other cardiovascular malalignments. Br J Radiol. 1969 Oct;42(502):721–735. doi: 10.1259/0007-1285-42-502-721. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  26. KOSSMAN C. E. NOMENCLATURE AND CRITERIA FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES. Circulation. 1964 Sep;30:321–325. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.30.3.321. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  27. Kauffmann F. On the classification and nomenclature of the genus Salmonella. Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand B Microbiol Immunol. 1971;79(3):421–422. doi: 10.1111/j.1699-0463.1971.tb00082.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  28. Kennedy B. J. T N M classification for stomach cancer. Cancer. 1970 Nov;26(5):971–983. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(197011)26:5<971::aid-cncr2820260503>3.0.co;2-r. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  29. Klüken N. Terminologische und nosologische Aspekte der Phlebopathien. Med Welt. 1967 Oct 28;43:2540–2547. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  30. Klüken N. Zur Nomenklatur und Einteilung der Erkrankungen im Endstrombahnbereich. Arch Klin Exp Dermatol. 1966;227(1):748–755. doi: 10.1007/BF00502932. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  31. Korein J., Goodgold A. L., Randt C. T. Computer processing of medical data by variable-field-length format. II. Progress and application to narrative documents. JAMA. 1966 Jun 13;196(11):950–956. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  32. Kroemer K. H. Human strength: terminology, measurement, and interpretation of data. Hum Factors. 1970 Jun;12(3):297–313. doi: 10.1177/001872087001200307. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  33. Kubica G. P. Known clinical mycobacterial organisms. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1970 Oct 30;174(2):840–846. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1970.tb45602.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  34. Kurtzke J. F. Caveat computator. Methods Inf Med. 1967 Jul;6(3):127–130. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  35. Langendorf R. Terminology and classification of disturbances of A-V conduction. Bull N Y Acad Med. 1971 Aug;47(8):877–884. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  36. Lechevalier M. P., Horan A. C., Lechevalier H. Lipid composition in the classification of nocardiae and mycobacteria. J Bacteriol. 1971 Jan;105(1):313–318. doi: 10.1128/jb.105.1.313-318.1971. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  37. Lehmann H., Huntsman R. G. Thalassemia research and abnormal hemoglobins. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1969 Nov 20;165(1):332–346. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1969.tb27803.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  38. Melnick J. L. Summary of classification of animal viruses, 1970. Prog Med Virol. 1970;12:337–341. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  39. Miale J. B. A pathologist's critique of the controversy over blood group serology and nomenclature. Trans N Y Acad Sci. 1967 May;29(7):887–891. doi: 10.1111/j.2164-0947.1967.tb02829.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  40. Murad T. M. A proposed histochemical and electron microscopic classification of human breast cancer according to cell of origin. Cancer. 1971 Feb;27(2):288–299. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(197102)27:2<288::aid-cncr2820270207>3.0.co;2-r. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  41. Nalbandian R. M., Wilner F. M., Blackall C. J. Myeloid megakaryocytic hepatosplenomegaly. Case study with a proposed system of matrix classification of the myeloproliferative disorders. Am J Clin Pathol. 1968 Apr;49(4):535–555. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/49.4.535. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  42. Necheles T. F., Allen D. M., Gerald P. S. The many forms of thalassemia: definition and classification of the thalassemia syndromes. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1969 Nov 20;165(1):5–12. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1969.tb27771.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  43. Oken D. E. Criteria for the evaluation of the severity of established renal disease. Nephron. 1970;7(5):385–388. doi: 10.1159/000179838. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  44. Oken D. E. Nosologic considerations in the nomenclature of acute renal failure. Nephron. 1971;8(6):505–510. doi: 10.1159/000179956. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  45. Pickett M. J., Manclark C. R. Nonfermentative bacilli associated with man. I. Nomenclature. Am J Clin Pathol. 1970 Aug;54(2):155–163. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/54.2.155. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  46. Popper H., Schaffner F. The vocabulary of chronic hepatitis. N Engl J Med. 1971 May 20;284(20):1154–1156. doi: 10.1056/NEJM197105202842011. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  47. Poznanski A. K., Pratt G. B., Manson G., Weiss L. Clinodactyly, camptodactyly, Kirner's deformity, and other crooked fingers. Radiology. 1969 Sep;93(3):573–582. doi: 10.1148/93.3.573. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  48. Price C. H. Primary tumours of bone--their classification and incidence. Br J Radiol. 1971 Nov;44(527):897–897. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  49. Rippmann E. T. Gestosis of late pregnancy. Nomenclature and scoring. Gynaecologia. 1968;165(1):12–20. doi: 10.1159/000302426. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  50. Robecchi A. Sulla nomenclatura e classificazione delle malattie reumatiche. Reumatismo. 1966 Sep-Oct;18(5):353–360. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  51. Robinson R. E., 3rd Acquisition and analysis of narrative medical record data. Comput Biomed Res. 1970 Oct 5;3(5):495–509. doi: 10.1016/0010-4809(70)90011-x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  52. Rushmer R. F. NUMEDCODE: a cumulative, compact, computer-compatible medical nomenclature is both necessary and feasible. Dis Chest. 1969 Aug;56(2):143–148. doi: 10.1378/chest.56.2.143. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  53. Santulli T. V., Kiesewetter W. B., Bill A. H., Jr Anorectal anomalies: a suggested international classification. J Pediatr Surg. 1970 Jun;5(3):281–287. doi: 10.1016/0022-3468(70)90184-3. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  54. Schamroth L., Friedberg H. D. A coding system for the arrhythmias. S Afr Med J. 1969 Mar 1;43(9):238–240. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  55. Scherf D. Remarks on the nomenclature of cardiac arrhythmias. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 1970 Jul;13(1):1–25. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  56. Schultz C. K. Guide to current terminology in biomedical research. Fed Proc. 1965 Jul-Aug;24(4):959–991. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  57. Seligmann M. Données générales sur la classification et la structure des immunoglobulines humaines. Poumon Coeur. 1969;25(4):321–331. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  58. Shephard R. J. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health. Glossary of specialized terms and units. Can Med Assoc J. 1967 Mar 25;96(12):912–914. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  59. Sobin L. H. Histopathological definition and classification of tumours. WHO Chron. 1971 Aug;25(8):363–366. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  60. Sobin L. H. The World Health Organization's programme for the histopathological definition and classification of tumours. Methods Inf Med. 1971 Apr;10(2):120–122. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  61. Solomon A., McLaughlin C. L. Bence Jones proteins and light chains of immunoglobulins. IV. Immunochemical differentiation among proteins within each of the three established kappa-chain classes. J Immunol. 1971 Jan;106(1):120–127. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  62. Summitt R. L. Chromosome nomenclature. J Pediatr. 1970 Feb;76(2):314–323. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(70)80182-2. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  63. Titus J. L., Pierre R. V. Chromosomal analysis in clinical medicine. Med Clin North Am. 1970 Jul;54(4):1009–1027. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  64. Turner L. H. Leptospirosis. I. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 1967;61(6):842–855. doi: 10.1016/0035-9203(67)90045-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  65. Warner H. R., Morgan J. D. High-density medical data management by computer. Comput Biomed Res. 1970 Oct 5;3(5):464–476. doi: 10.1016/0010-4809(70)90008-x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  66. Werner S. C. Classification of the eye changes of Grave's disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1969 Jul;29(7):982–984. doi: 10.1210/jcem-29-7-982. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  67. Werner S. C. Classification of thyroid disease. Report of the Committee on Nomenclature. The American Thyroid Association. I. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1969 Jun;29(6):860–862. doi: 10.1210/jcem-29-6-860. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  68. Wiener A. S. Final results of Rh-Hr nomenclature questionnaire. Trans N Y Acad Sci. 1967 May;29(7):892–902. doi: 10.1111/j.2164-0947.1967.tb02830.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  69. Wiener A. S. Nomenclature of the blood groups with special reference to the Rh-Hr blood types. Trans N Y Acad Sci. 1967 May;29(7):875–886. doi: 10.1111/j.2164-0947.1967.tb02828.x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  70. Wildy P., Ginsberg H. S., Brandes J., Maurin J. Virus-classification, nomenclature and the International Committee on Nomenclature of Viruses. Prog Med Virol. 1967;9:476–482. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  71. Winkel P., Paldam M., Tygstrup N. A numerical taxonomic analysis of symptoms and signs in 400 patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Comput Biomed Res. 1970 Dec;3(6):657–665. doi: 10.1016/0010-4809(70)90033-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  72. al-Aish M. S. Human chromosome morphology. I. Studies on normal chromosome characterization, classification and karyotyping. Can J Genet Cytol. 1969 Jun;11(2):370–381. doi: 10.1139/g69-046. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

Articles from Bulletin of the Medical Library Association are provided here courtesy of Medical Library Association

RESOURCES