Moschcowitz Revisited

Abstract

In 1924 Dr. Eli Moschcowitz admitted a 16-year-old girl to Beth Israel Hospital in New York City because of weakness, joint pain, and fever to 40°C.¹ The patient had spent Labor Day weekend at Rockaway Beach and had become ill thereafter. Physical examination revealed pallor, a "café-au-lait" tinge, and petechiae. Hemolytic anemia and leukocytosis were present. No platelet count was done, nor were blood smears examined for platelet morphology. Stool and gastric contents were positive for blood. Within four days partial paresis of the left arm, leg, and face developed and was followed by pulmonary edema, coma, and death.The . . .