PITUITARY CACHEXIA (SIMMONDS' DISEASE) TREATED WITH ANTERIOR PITUITARY EXTRACT

Abstract

The following case is presented as a contribution to the knowledge of the physiology of the pituitary body, a gland which, according to recent experimental and clinical observations, is of great importance in the regulation of many bodily processes. <h3>REPORT OF CASE</h3><h3>History.</h3> —L. T., a man, aged 19, a Negro farmer, was admitted to the Duke Hospital, Nov. 15, 1930, with a complaint of weakness and "stomach trouble" for the preceding five months. He came of healthy stock, his past health had been good, and he had not been exposed to tuberculosis. The illness from which he sought relief had been characterized by occasional attacks of nausea, frequent gaseous eructations, marked constipation, extreme weakness, and loss of 45 pounds (20 Kg.). There had been progressive loss of strength, accompanied by decrease in libido and sexual power. His skin, in contrast to its usual light color and glistening appearance, had