THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM 63 



te blood pressure below normal. The reflexes are weak 



nd the cutaneous sensation somewhat dulled. 



Nutrition is slowed down, although the digestive 



motions are normal and the appetite is good; these 

 >atients have a dislike for meat. The urines contain very 

 little urea or uric acid. 



Genital disturbances are constant: in the male sexual 

 Frigidity is the rule. The majority of women with 



tyxedema cease to menstruate; in some of them, however 

 menstruation keeps up and an intercurrent pregnancy may 

 bring about a temporary improvement of the symptoms 

 of myxedema. 



The examination of the blood reveals a certain amount 

 of anemia; decrease in the red cells, and in the percentage 

 of hemoglobin. An increase in the diameter of the red cor- 

 puscles and the presence of nucleated cells characteristic 

 of the blood picture of children, is often noticed. (Vaquez). 



2. MYXEDEMA IN CHILDHOOD. 



This disease was described by Bourne ville in 1880 

 under the name of myxedematous idiocy, and can be 

 congenital or acquired. 



1. CONGENITAL MYXEDEMA. It becomes evident 

 from birth or a few months afterwards. It is due nearly 

 always to an absence of the thyroid. If the gland does 

 exist it is only made up of pea-shaped nodules. We do not 

 know in the majority of cases the cause of athyroidism: 

 tuberculosis, alcoholism, syphilis in the parents are the 

 only hereditary stigma which occasionally are found. 



The myxedematous new-born child shows a character- 

 istic appearance, which enables us to make the diagnosis 

 on first sight; the head is large, round, close to the 

 shoulders; the forehead is low and narrow, the eyelids 

 swollen, the nose short and broad, between two flabby 



