Elephantiasis

Elephantiasis. This term has been applied to diseased conditions in which hypertrophy of the connective tissue of parts of the body leads to swelling. Two special uses of the word may be alluded to; in the first place, Elephantiasis Grcecorum is used as a synonym for leprosy (q.v.). Elephantiasis Arabum, or Barbadoes leg, is a peculiar affection which appears to be brought about by blocking of lymphatic vessels. The disease is confined to tropical countries, and is not uncommon in India; it usually attacks adults, and does not in itself tend to shorten life. By some it has been maintained that the cause of the affection is a parasite.