A review of the literature on primary streptococcic peritonitis reveals a maze of conflicting opinions with regard to terminology, pathogenesis, general pathology and therapy. There is a dearth of data of accurately controlled experiments. It is with the expectation of clearing up some disputed points that we submit the following clinical, pathologic, immunologic and experimental study of eight cases of pharyngogenic hematogenous streptococcic peritonitis.
Pharyngogenic hematogenous streptococcic peritonitis is a metastatic inflammatory lesion of the peritoneum caused by a streptococcic hematogenous invasion from a primary focus in the tonsils and pharynx. The disease is characterized by an abrupt onset during or after the subsidence of an infection in the throat, great toxicity, short duration and usually fatal termination.
CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGIC STUDIES
In the following protocols only the relevant clinical and pathologic data are given.
REPORT OF CASES
Case 1.
—History and Course.
—R. H., a married woman aged 33,