FAMILIAL PAROXYSMAL DYSFUNCTION OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM (A PERIODIC DISEASE), OFTEN PRECIPITATED BY EMOTIONAL STRESS

[摘要] Two children and their father, currently under investigation, have displayed paroxysmal symptoms which include a rash, angioneurotic edema, severe symptoms from the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts and other evidences of dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Attempts at medicinal therapy failed to ameliorate the attacks.A striking hereditary pattern is present suggesting a simple dominant type of inheritance.Emotional factors have been found to be capable of precipitating these paroxysms which have many features in common with paroxysmal disorders described in the literature under the terms periodic peritonitis, cyclic vomiting, hereditary angioneurotic edema and "periodic disease."It is important that careful evaluation of hereditary and emotional factors be made in all patients exhibiting recurrent symptoms of unexplained etiology. Psychiatric study and psychotherapy may offer a means to alleviate the symptoms in some of these patients.

[学科分类] 儿科学