AFEBRII.E SPLENOMF.C.ALY 417 



iETIOLOGY. 



IMense tliinks that it may be some kind of poisoning, perhaps 

 due to some species of the Euphorbiacea?. 



The disease was first described by Yale Massey in Angola, 1904, 

 later on the Portuguese West Coast, East Africa and the Congo. 



SYMPTOMATOLOGY. 



The onset is sudden. 



There are lassitude, a dazed appearance, tender parotids, con- 

 gestion of conjunctivas, slight fever, numbness and pain in various 

 parts of the body. Bullae appear on the tongue, in the mouth and 

 pharynx, oesophagus, stomach and bowels. 



The tongue is swollen and painful. There may be vomiting of 

 blood, and diarrhoea has been noted. 



Haematuria and cerebral haemorrhage have been described with the 

 usual signs. There may be haemorrhages in the viscera. 



The bullcT also occur on the skin. 



The disease may recur several times. 



TREATMENT. 



Arsenic in full doses should be tried. 



Massey recommends large doses of sodium bicarbonate and cod- 

 liver oil. 



AFEBRILE SPLENOMEGALY. 



This disease is also known as Pseudo-Banti's Disease. 



DEFINITION. 



A chronic afebrile disorder characterized by splenomegalv and 

 severe anaemia. 



DISTRIBUTION. 



Tropica] Africa, Ceylon, India, and probably elsewhere. 



SYMPTOMATOLOGY. 



The onset is insidious. It attacks children and adults alike. 

 There is a painless enlargement of the spleen without enlargement, 

 of the liver or other organs. 



There is a severe anaemia, but no parasites are found. 

 It has been differentiated from other tropical maladies. 



TREATMENT. 



This is symptomatic. Iron and arsenic are useful. 



