Atrofii

Atrofii is the Romanian plural form of atrofie, commonly translated as atrophy. In medical contexts, atrophy denotes a decrease in size or wasting of tissue, organ, or cells due to disuse, aging, disease, or inadequate nourishment. In English, the plural is atrophies; in Romanian, atrofii is standard for multiple atrophy phenomena.

Causes and types include disuse atrophy (from immobilization or inactivity), neurogenic atrophy (from nerve injury or denervation), and age- or endocrine-related forms such as sarcopenia or hypothyroidism- or Cushing’s-related atrophy. Atrophy can affect muscles, brain tissue, nerves, or various organs; cerebral or cortical atrophy refers to brain shrinkage from neurodegenerative or vascular disease.

Pathophysiology involves reduced cell size with partly preserved architecture; mechanisms include decreased protein synthesis, increased proteolysis, reduced blood flow, and impaired cellular maintenance. The consequence is weaker tissue with diminished function.

Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis combines history, examination, and imaging (MRI or CT for organ or brain atrophy); additional tests such as electromyography or biopsy may be used to identify causes. Management targets the underlying condition and may include physical therapy, nutrition, exercise, and hormonal treatment when appropriate. Prognosis depends on the etiology and the potential for reversibility.