PERFORATED DUODENAL ULCER ASSOCIATED WITH PITUITARY ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE (ACTH) THERAPY

Abstract

It has been established¹that pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) interferes with the production of fibroblasts and as such may prevent the healing of a recent wound in humans. A similar observation²was made earlier with cortisone, noting a delay in the development of all elements of connective tissue in a rabbit's ear wound. A previous report has been made on this subject from Canada.³Acute perforation of a duodenal ulcer occurred immediately after the cessation of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy which was given for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. <h3>REPORT OF CASE</h3> M. J. K., a white woman aged 54, housewife, was admitted to the Neurological Institute of the Presbyterian Hospital May 18, 1950 because of progressive weakness which began insidiously in the left leg in October 1949. She had had a right nephrectomy for pyonephrosis in July 1944, but otherwise her health was excellent. She claimed to have