Charts of Endocrinopathies 



Intended for Preliminary Orientation in the Classifica- 

 tion of Disorders Attributed to the Endocrin Glands 



THOMAS P. SPKUNT 



BALTIMORE 



Introductory Note 



In the present confused state of knowledge concerning the normal 

 functions of the endocrin glands it would be futile to attempt to make, 

 with any pretence to scientific accuracy, a full classification of the symp- 

 toms that may arise from disturbances of their functions. As a working 

 guide for quick reference, these charts may, however, serve a practical 

 purpose. They have been included in this work in response to requests 

 from practising physicians for tabulated, easily accessible data. 



The difficulties of attempting such an arrangement of symptoms 

 and signs may be readily appreciated when one considers, for example, the 

 conflicting views set forth in the literature concerning the functions of the 

 epiphysis cerebri and of the thymus. Even their inclusion among the 

 glands of internal secretion is questioned by many and hence the source 

 of the clinical symptoms associated with lesions of these structures will be 

 ascribed to their malfunction or to other factors according to the various 

 opinions entertained. Again, very little is known concerning the states 

 of overfunction of the parathyroid glands and of the chromaffin system. 

 Data from some very interesting cases recently described have, neverthe- 

 less, been placed in a hyperparathyroid column. The association of en- 

 largement of the parathyroid glands, chronic renal disease and extensive 

 calcium deposits is very interesting, though we do not yet know the primary 

 seat of the disease. The question of unity in etiology in tetany and the 

 tetanoid states as evidences of parathyroid deficiency is also a live one. 

 In deference to prevailing opinion, diabetes mellitus has been placed under 

 the heading of the pancreas. 



No attempt has been made to present a complete list of symptoms in 

 any table. To do so would tend to defeat the purpose of such an arrange- 

 ment. Data that are less important, less frequent, or very questionable 

 have been enclosed in brackets [ ]. It will be remembered, of course, 

 that in no single case would we expect to find all the symptoms enumerated 

 under a given heading, and, further, that, in view of the well recognized 



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