SPLANCHNOSCLEROSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Splanchnosclerosis is a medical term that refers to the abnormal hardening and thickening of the walls of various organs and tissues in the body, particularly those associated with the digestive system. The word is derived from the Greek terms "splanchno," meaning viscus (organ), and "sclerosis," meaning hardening.
This condition usually occurs as a result of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, or deposition of excess collagen fibers. It can affect different organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and spleen, leading to their structural changes and impaired function. The exact causes of splanchnosclerosis vary and can include factors such as infections, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, or exposure to certain chemicals or medications.
Symptoms of splanchnosclerosis can vary depending on the specific organ involved but may include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnosis of this condition typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, imaging techniques (such as X-rays, ultrasound, or computed tomography), and sometimes, a biopsy.
Treatment options for splanchnosclerosis primarily focus on managing the underlying cause, alleviating symptoms, and preventing further complications. This may involve medication regimens to reduce inflammation and fibrosis, dietary changes to alleviate digestive symptoms, and in some cases, surgical interventions to remove the affected tissue. Regular monitoring and follow-up with healthcare professionals are essential to manage this condition effectively and provide optimal care to affected individuals.
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Hardening, through connective-tissue overgrowth, of any of the viscera.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SPLANCHNOSCLEROSIS
Etymology of SPLANCHNOSCLEROSIS
The word "splanchnosclerosis" is derived from two roots: "splanchno" and "sclerosis".
The root "splanchno" comes from the Greek word "splangkhnon", which refers to the visceral organs, such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and spleen. In medical terminology, "splanchno-" is used to signify something related to these internal organs.
The root "sclerosis" originates from the Greek word "skleros", which means hard or indurated. In medical terminology, "sclerosis" is used to describe abnormal hardening or thickening of tissues.
Therefore, the etymology of "splanchnosclerosis" reflects the combination of these two roots to describe a condition characterized by the abnormal hardening or thickening of the visceral organs.
