Why Is It Called Mucoviscidosis?

The first modern description of the disease was made in 1938 by pathologist Dorothy Andersen. Based on autopsies of children who had died of malnutrition, she termed the disease “cystic fibrosis of the pancreas.” It had previously been known as “mucoviscidosis,” referring to the thickening of mucus.

Why is cystic fibrosis named after?

CF develops when neither gene works normally. Therefore, CF is considered an autosomal recessive disease. The name cystic fibrosis refers to the characteristic scarring ( fibrosis) and cyst formation within the pancreas, first recognized in the 1930s.

When was cystic fibrosis named?

CF First Described

In 1938, American pathologist Dr. Dorothy Andersen provided the first description of the disorder in the medical literature, calling the disease “cystic fibrosis of the pancreas” based on her autopsy findings of children who died of malnutrition.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.