Influenza (so-called) : epidemic pancreatitis? / by Ernest Frederick Gardner.

  • Gardner, Ernest Frederick.
Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Influenza (so-called) : epidemic pancreatitis? / by Ernest Frederick Gardner. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    ness of varying intensity, the slightest pressure in many producing great pain, whilst in others there is resistance and pain obtainable on deeper pressure. Now the situation and localisation of this tenderness is of much significance, starting as it does from a point two to two and a half inches above and to the right of the umbilicus, and travelling transversly across the abdomen to the extreme left of the left hypochondrium, passing in part under the shelter of the costal margin. There is likewise some pain on pressure over and around the umbilicus. To the right of this point the tenderness dis- appears, thus showing that the inflamed area is limited in extent. The epigastric angle is free from tenderness, except in those cases where there is much sickness, and then it is probably due to the retching. The examina- tion of the back reveals dulness and tenderness of that portion corresponding to the situation of the pancreas, with muscular rigidity, the latter in many cases being so marked as to lead to the suspicion that we have a case of spinal meningitis. In conclusion I would add, that owing to the many difficulties in private practice, from popular prejudices to the making of examinations after death, I have as yet been prevented from being able to furnish the post-mortem appearances and histological characters of the pancreas in those dying from this disease. But I feel that I can fully rely upon those, who have the opportunities, to publish the results of their investigations. May not those who are interested in the bacillary theory of disease find greater success attending their efforts, were they but to examine the pancreas in these cases. I append the reports of two cases illustrating what I believe to be chronic enlargement of the pancreas dating from previous attacks of so-called influenza. Case.—G. W—, aet. 24, occupation milliner. Com- plains of pains in the back and left side extending to the left shoulder.