Case of inflammation of the cephalic vein, which terminated fatally : with the appearances on dissection / by Andrew Duncan.

  • Duncan, Andrew, Jun., 1773-1832.
Date:
1824]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Case of inflammation of the cephalic vein, which terminated fatally : with the appearances on dissection / by Andrew Duncan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    In regard to the nature of the affection of the arm, althongh at first, and when confined to the back of the hand, it had much resemblance to what is of- ten called Erysipelas; yet its appearance in the more advanced stage, and still more the dissection, shew- ed that the cutaneous texture was not the seat of the principal disease. Even at the first, the swelling was much more considerable than in pure erysipe- las ; and except that it was diffused, it had more the appearance of phlegmon. In fact, it had most resemblance to an anasarcous hand, but I do not remember that it pitted. It differed also from ery- sipelas, in the absence of tenderness on being touch- ed, which in general is exquisite, when the skin is the seat of active inflammation. Nor was the af- fection entitled to be considered as Erysipelas phlegmonodes, or inflammation of the cellular tex- ture simply, although this was my opinion until dissection proved the contrary. But now upon re- flection, and a comparison with undoubted cases of inflamed cellular substance, some diagnostic charac- ters may be pointed out; especially the very remark- able absence of all pain, even upon pressure, unless over the course of the vein, and the patient’s feeling no great inability to move the limb, and not being distressed when it was moved; and, lastly, in the apparent slightness of the symptom.s. There was, however, it must be admitted, an increased action of the cellular substance of the whole limb, at least in that degree which causes an increased effusion, not of pus or coagulahlc lymph, as when decidedly