NUTMEG LIVER Meaning and
Definition
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Nutmeg liver is a medical term used to describe a specific appearance and condition of the liver resulting from chronic venous congestion. It is characterized by a mottled or marbled appearance, resembling the color and pattern of a nutmeg seed, hence the name.
In this condition, the liver becomes enlarged, and the hepatic veins, which are responsible for draining the blood out of the liver, become obstructed. As a result, blood accumulates within the liver, leading to congestion and the distinctive appearance.
The congested liver tissue takes on a variegated appearance with alternating dark reddish-brown areas and lighter tan or yellow regions, resembling the markings on a nutmeg seed. The dark areas represent the areas of hemorrhage and congestion, while the lighter areas indicate tissue that is less affected.
Nutmeg liver is commonly associated with conditions that cause chronic venous congestion, such as right-sided heart failure, portal vein obstruction, or Budd-Chiari syndrome. These conditions impair the blood flow out of the liver, leading to increased pressure and congestion within the hepatic veins.
The diagnosis of nutmeg liver is typically made through imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Treatment of the underlying cause is essential to alleviate venous congestion and prevent further damage to the liver. In severe cases or when complications arise, a liver transplant may be considered as a treatment option.
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• Chronic congestion of the liver with hyperplasia of the connective tissue of the organ; cyanotic atrophy of the l.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NUTMEG LIVER
- butmeg liver
- mutmeg liver
- jutmeg liver
- hutmeg liver
- nytmeg liver
- nhtmeg liver
- njtmeg liver
- nitmeg liver
- n8tmeg liver
- n7tmeg liver
- nurmeg liver
- nufmeg liver
- nugmeg liver
- nuymeg liver
- nu6meg liver
- nu5meg liver
- nutneg liver
- nutkeg liver
- nutjeg liver
- nutmwg liver
Etymology of NUTMEG LIVER
The term "nutmeg liver" is a medical term used to describe a particular appearance of the liver. The etymology of this term can be understood by analyzing the components: "nutmeg" and "liver".
The word "nutmeg" historically refers to a spice obtained from the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree, native to the Moluccas islands of Indonesia. The spice has a characteristic reddish-brown color and a mottled pattern of lighter lines, resembling the appearance of a nutmeg seed. This is where the term "nutmeg" gets its name.
The word "liver" refers to the large, reddish-brown organ located in the upper right side of the abdomen that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including detoxification, digestion, and storing vitamins.
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