elephantiasis /el′əfəntī″əsis/ [Gk, elephas, elephant, osis, condition] , the end-stage lesion of filariasis, characterized by extensive swelling, usually of the external genitalia and the legs, resulting from obstruction of the lymphatics by filariae. The overlying skin becomes dark, thick, and coarse. Elephantiasis results from filariasis of many years’ duration. Nonfilarial elephantiasis occurring in the absence of filarial infection, seen mainly in the central African mountains, may be caused by persistent contact with volcanic ash. Nonfilarial elephantiasis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages, when it is most responsive to treatment. See also filariasis.
