CLINICAL SYNDROMES (STATUS THYMICUS, ETC.) 399 



glandular Syndrome, the Thymus in Exophthalmic Goiter, Myasthenia 

 Gravis, the Thymus in Tetany and the Thymus in Prostatitis. This pres- 

 entation will be followed by sections on clinical symptomatology, diag- 

 nosis and treatment. 



Thymic Asthma 



The term thymic asthma originated with Kopp in 1829. The existence 

 of the syndrome was denied by Friedleben in 1858. But nevertheless, a 

 sufficient number of cases of respiratory stridor occur from year to year 

 to keep the concept before the eyes of pediatrists and family doctors. 



In the recent literature the most convincing report is that of Chevalier 

 Jackson (a.). The patient had been observed by several physicians. It 



Fig. 6. Infant soon after birth, before radium treatment (Brayton and Heublein). 



could not be, therefore, an error in observation. The condition had existed 

 six weeks. At the operation, "On passing one of my bronchoscopes I discov- 

 ered a scabbard trachea with a chink not over 2 mm. on inspiration and 1 

 mm. on expiration, the obstruction extending from the second to the 

 fourth rib. The tracheal mucosa was collapsed from before backward 

 almost into contact." Temporary relief was obtained by inserting a 

 tracheal cannula, and permanent relief by thymectomy. 



Another observation is that of Pitfield, wherein the use of massive 

 doses of the X-ray brought relief. 



Still another report of a careful observation is that of Brayton and 

 Heublein who report seeing an inward bulging to the extent of half the 

 lumen at a point two inches below the vocal cords. 



Parker's case is also very instructive, both on account of the accuracy 

 of observation and the successful therapy. 



Olivier's reports are fairly conclusive evidence as to the mechanical 

 effects of the hyperplastic thymus, and should leave no one in doubt as to 

 the possibility of the occurrence. 



