DISTRIBUTION OF AFFECTED NERVE CELLS IN A CASE OF AMYOTONIA CONGENITA

Abstract

The general appearance of affected cells in cases of amyotonia congenita and Werdnig-Hoffmann disease has been described by Marburg,¹Foot,²Grinker³and others. An autopsy performed at the Children's Hospital in a case of this rare disease has made possible a study of all parts of the brain and spinal cord. CLINICAL REPORT OF CASE Case 1.— History. —A boy, born on July 14, 1934, was admitted to the Infants' Hospital on November 13 because of weakness. The family history was of interest in that there had been nine pregnancies. The second and third pregnancies terminated in the birth of children who lived eleven and nine months, respectively, and died of muscular weakness and pneumonia. The sixth, seventh and eighth pregnancies terminated in miscarriages. The patient was born normally at full term. There were no evident postnatal complications. The child progressed well after birth except for frequent