cryptogenic

[krip-tuh-jen-ik]

adjective

1. of obscure or unknown origin, as a disease.

cryptogenic

/ ˌkrɪptəʊˈdʒɛnɪk /

adjective

1. (esp of diseases) of unknown or obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptogenic¹

First recorded in 1905–10; crypto- + -genic

Example Sentences

Aviv required a liver transplant because he was suffering from cryptogenic cirrhosis, irreversible liver disease, which may have occurred as a result of his diabetes, according to Local 10 News.

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Cryptogenic strokes affect about 200,000 Americans younger than 55 each year.

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They were skeptical that Hardeman had ever suffered an arterial tear the first time — there was no visible evidence on scans — and classified her stroke as cryptogenic, meaning its cause was unknown.

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Hardeman’s father contacted a prominent neurologist in Philadelphia with expertise in treating cryptogenic strokes; he agreed to see her for a second opinion.

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"The ability to discern the causes of cryptogenic strokes has profound implications for preventing secondary strokes and improving patient outcomes," Dr. Mary Ann Bauman, chair of the American Stroke Association's advisory committee, said in an AHA/ASA news release.

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