Reticulohistiocytosis (Lipoid Dermato-arthritis)

MMISRN 1387 medical attendants during the intensely distressing period of maximal disability is invaluable.Once deterioration appears to be checked a reasonably confident prognosis can be given-though a warning should be issued of the possi- bility of personality changes during the convalescence and the rather more remote danger of permanent impairment of intellectual capacity.Summary A description is given of eight examples of a clinical syndrome of gradual onset in which develops almost total paralysis of all motor function, originating first in the mid-brain and later in the whole brain-stem, accom- panied by only mild pyramidal or long-tract sensory disturbance, and no cardiac or respiratory abnormality.From a stationary stage of extreme gravity, dramatic total recovery has occurred in seven cases, with no neurological sequelae.The pathology of the fatal case is described, and a state of transient cerebral oedema, possibly related to a systemic virus infection, is suggested as the basic cause.