Yellow atrophy is a medical condition where a part of the liver degenerates, and it is spelled as [ˈjɛl.oʊ ætrəfi] in IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word "yellow" follows its conventional pronunciation in English, while the spelling of "atrophy" captures its origins from the Greek language word "atrophos". The "a" at the beginning of "atrophy" is pronounced as [æ] in IPA, while the "o" is pronounced as [əʊ]. Proper spelling of medical terms is crucial, as it ensures accurate communication between healthcare professionals.
Yellow atrophy is a medical condition characterized by the gradual degeneration and dysfunction of the liver, resulting in significant damage to its overall structure and ability to function properly. This condition is typically associated with excessive alcohol consumption over a prolonged period, although it can also occur due to other causes such as hepatitis or certain medications.
The term "yellow atrophy" derives from the yellowish discoloration that affects the liver tissue as a result of the buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment formed by the breakdown of red blood cells. The degeneration and loss of liver cells lead to a reduction in the organ's size and weight, hence the use of the term "atrophy."
Symptoms of yellow atrophy may vary depending on the severity of liver damage but can include fatigue, weakness, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea, abdominal pain, and easy bruising or bleeding. In more severe cases, liver failure may occur, leading to altered mental state, fluid retention, and even coma.
Diagnosis of yellow atrophy typically involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, blood tests to assess liver function and detect liver enzymes, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the size and condition of the liver.
Treatment for yellow atrophy typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. For alcohol-related cases, alcohol cessation is crucial to prevent further liver damage. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms or promote liver regeneration. In severe cases, liver transplantation may be necessary to replace the damaged liver with a healthy one.
Of the l. acute yellow atrophy of the l.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "yellow atrophy" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a medical phrase rather than a word with a long history. However, it can be broken down to understand its meaning:
- "Yellow" refers to the color associated with jaundice, a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow due to elevated levels of bilirubin.
- "Atrophy" is a medical term that refers to the wasting away or degeneration of tissues or organs, resulting in their reduced size, function, or strength.
Therefore, "yellow atrophy" is a clinical term used to describe a condition characterized by the degeneration and shrinking of an organ or tissue, which may display a yellowish color due to jaundice.