Cryptogenic

Cryptogenic is a term used in medicine to describe a disease or condition that has an unknown or obscure cause. It is derived from the Greek words "kryptos" meaning hidden and "genesis" meaning origin.

Overview

In medical terminology, a disease is referred to as cryptogenic when its cause is not known or cannot be determined. This term is often used in relation to diseases and conditions that are idiopathic, meaning they arise spontaneously or from an obscure or unknown cause. However, the term cryptogenic is more specific, implying that the cause of the condition is hidden or concealed.

Cryptogenic Diseases

There are many diseases and conditions that are considered cryptogenic. Some of these include:

• Cryptogenic Stroke: This is a type of stroke where no cause can be found despite a comprehensive evaluation. It accounts for approximately 30-40% of all ischemic strokes.
• Cryptogenic Cirrhosis: This is a type of cirrhosis of the liver where the cause is unknown. It is often diagnosed when the common causes of cirrhosis such as alcohol abuse, viral hepatitis, and autoimmune diseases are ruled out.
• Cryptogenic Epilepsy: This is a type of epilepsy where the cause is unknown. It is often diagnosed when there is no identifiable cause for the seizures despite a thorough evaluation.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of a cryptogenic disease often involves a comprehensive evaluation to rule out known causes of the disease. This may include a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.

The treatment of cryptogenic diseases often involves managing the symptoms and complications of the disease. Since the cause of the disease is unknown, the treatment is often symptomatic and supportive.

See Also

• Idiopathic
• Etiology
• Pathogenesis

References

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