DISSEMINATED GIANT CELL REACTION

Abstract

The significance of the occurrence of giant cells in association with pneumonia in children has received attention from numerous investigators without any definite conclusions or agreement being attained. The most recent complete review of the subject was made by Moore and Gross¹in 1930. The authors distinguished four types of giant cells, which will be discussed later, and made the statement that "giant cells in association with pneumonia have no specific cause." Recently a case has come under my observation in which pneumonia was proved histologically to be associated with a widespread formation of giant cells. A presentation of this case is made because in type and location the cells differed from any described by Moore and Gross and because the case may represent a generalized reaction in the prodromal stage of measles. <h3>REPORT OF A CASE</h3> <i>History</i>.—A girl aged 27 months was admitted to the Bobs Roberts