Path. Rarely cirrhose. [mod.L., f. Gr. κιρρ-ός orange-tawny, after words in -ωσις, -osis; cf. F. cirrhose.] A name given by Laennec to a disease of the liver, occurring most frequently in spirit-drinkers, and consisting in chronic interstitial hepatitis, with atrophy of the cells and increase of connective tissue. Called also Hob-nailed or Gin-drinker’s Liver. Subsequently extended to interstitial inflammation of the kidneys, lungs, and other organs.
The name referred to the presence of yellowish granules, which Laennec supposed to be a deposit of new matter; but these were subsequently shown to be the isolated and bile-tinged acini of the liver itself. In cirrhosis of the other organs there is, of course, no yellow color.
1839–47. Todd, Cycl. Anat., III. 188/2. The form of atrophy of the liver … named by Laennec cirrhosis. Ibid., III. 642/1. Patients who die of … cirrhose of the liver.
1854. W. Stokes, Diseases of Heart, 461. That disease to which Dr. Corrigan has [1838], given the name of cirrhosis of the lung.
1860. Mayne, Expos. Lex., Cirrhosis.… Name proposed for granulated, or tuberculated kidney.
1872. T. G. Thomas, Dis. Women, 283. This constitutes a true cirrhosis of the uterus.
1880. Med. Temp. Jrnl., Oct., 6. Alcoholic cirrhosis constitutes one species distinct from all the other.
