Case of aneurism of the abdominal aorta / reported by R. Spittal.

  • Spittal, Robert, 1804-1852.
Date:
[1830]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Case of aneurism of the abdominal aorta / reported by R. Spittal. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    15. Case of Aneurism of the Abdominal Aorta. Reported by R. Spittal, Esq., one of the House-Surgeons of the Royal Infirmary. (From the Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, No. 103. J T ± HE subject of the following case was a patient in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for many months, under the care of Drs Christison and Gregory, physicians to that institution. The case is interesting both in a physiological and pathological point of view. ° P. K., a man, aged 35, June 27, 1829* Has been addicted to the abuse of spirits, and has twice had an attack of delirium tremens. The report of this date is to the following effect: Complains of pain of the loins, stretching, to the epigastrium, where there is a circumscribed pulsating tumour occupying part of this region and the left hypochondrium about three inches in length. He states that the tumour has existed and pulsated for four months. ^ 29th. The pains of the back and abdomen continue. July 2d. Pain of the right side of abdomen, with tenderness. Tumour perceptible to the right of epigastrium. August 22d. Complains much of general pain of abdomen and of diarrhoea. ’ September 17th. Very slight ‘‘ bruit de soufllet” heard over the most anterior part of the tumour, immediately below the en- siform cartilage, and a little to the left side. Diarrhoea abated. December 25th, Pain of the side in the region of the tumour has for three days past been more severe. January 18th, 1830. Has been for some days liable to fits of severe pain in the region of the tumour. February 1st. Increased pain of the tumour, with vomitino of ingesta and singultus. ^ 3d. Gradually sunk and di(^ this morning. k. Such are occasional reports'^ made concerning him during his residence in the hospital. He was seldom if ever entirely free from pain or uneasiness in the region of the tumour, especially towards its left side. The tumour itself was very tender on pressub generally ; its pulsation was always distinct; and when grasped; by the fingers and thumb, was found to distend in every direction. The pulsation, however, was more evident at the