A system of practical medicine. By American authors. Vol. 2 : $b General diseases (continued) and diseases of the digestive system
Science
A system of practical medicine. By American authors. Vol. 2 : $b General diseases (continued) and diseases of the digestive system
Medicine -- Practice
PURPURA HÆMORRHAGICA (MORBUS MACULOSUS WERLHOFII).--In this form of
purpura there are added to the symptoms of purpura simplex hemorrhages
into and from the various mucous tracts, the nasal, faucial,
pharyngeal, gastric, intestinal, renal, uterine, rarely the pulmonary
mucous membranes, and exceptionally into the various serous membranes
and cavities. It may begin abruptly, in the midst of apparently
vigorous health, or after premonitory symptoms extending over several
days, vague sensations of discomfort--headache, pains, anorexia,
indisposition to exertion, and the like--or it may occur as a
transition from other forms of purpura. Usually there is no fever.
The hemorrhagic spots upon the skin appear much as in purpura simplex,
though the lesions are larger, acquiring the size of coins or even of
the palm of the hand. Spots soon appear upon the visible mucous
membranes, and free hemorrhages occur; indeed, the latter may be the
first symptom observed. Epistaxis is of most common occurrence, but
bleeding from the mouth, stomach, and intestines almost as frequently
results. The gums are almost constantly affected, and upon inspection
these may be found covered with blackish scabs, upon removal of which
the mucous membrane will be found pale and not swollen--an important
point in diagnosticating this affection from scurvy. Vesicles and blebs
filled with blood form both on the skin and mucous membranes. They
quickly rupture and discharge their contents. Bleeding from the stomach
and intestines is revealed--in the former case by the vomiting of a
brownish material resembling coffee-grounds; in the latter case by the
passage of black, tar-like evacuations. Pulmonary hemorrhage is to be
distinguished from hæmatemesis by the frothy and arterial character of
the blood. Hæmaturia may proceed from any part of the urinary tract.
Bleeding from several parts may occur at the same time, and may be very
copious.
In the mucous membranes extravasations of greater or less extent may
occur, as in the derma. Into the serous membranes they may take place
with or without effusion into serous cavities. It is only, however, in
cases that will almost certainly end fatally that the effusions into
these cavities are encountered. Hemorrhages into the substance of the
lungs, into the brain and other viscera, as well as into the tissues
generally, are occasionally observed.
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