On opening _the abdomen_ we may note subperitoneal hemorrhages of the
muscular wall or of the coils of intestine. The liver and spleen are
generally normal, as is the pancreas. The kidney frequently shows minute
hemorrhages beneath the capsule and on section.
_The adrenals_ not infrequently are large. This fact was first brought
out by Rondoni and Montagnani, and is of added interest in view of its
confirmation by McCarrison as well as by LaMer and Campbell. Its
significance is discussed at length in the consideration of the adrenal
gland in human scurvy. In view of the fact that fasting leads to a
similar hypertrophy, and that guinea-pig scurvy frequently is
complicated by fasting, these observations should be extended. In all
investigations of this kind, bacterial cultures should be taken of the
adrenals, or other organs, to be certain that there is no complicating
infection.
There have been no reports as to the effect of scurvy on the size of the
testicles, ovary, thymus, thyroid or parathyroid glands in the
guinea-pig, such as have been made by McCarrison in relation to avian
polyneuritis.
_The alimentary tract_ occasionally shows macroscopic changes similar to
the lesions found in man. The entire canal is frequently very empty,
especially the stomach and the small intestine, due to the lack of
appetite for some days previous to death. In the stomach we may find
areas of congestion or numerous small superficial ulcers surrounded by
congestion and covered with mucus; occasionally these ulcers are
somewhat larger and deeper. The larger ulcers are more frequently
situated in the first part of the duodenum, often proximal to the
papilla of Vater. Holst and Froelich described this lesion in one of
their early communications. More common than ulceration of the duodenum
is a diffuse congestion of its upper part. This lesion is of note
because it has been described frequently in the protocols of human
necropsies, and is found in beriberi, in avian polyneuritis, and in
pellagra in man. Its significance is unknown, and has indeed never been
discussed.
Lower down in the bowel there are occasionally areas of congestion and
ulceration, but no section seems particularly predisposed to these
lesions. The contents of the bowel, especially of the cæcum, as
mentioned above, depend more on the character of the food than on the
existence of scurvy. If the diet has consisted of milk and oats, the
cæcum will be found full and perhaps impacted, whereas if hay and oats
have been fed, the cæcum will be less full and its contents semisolid.
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