A CASE OF PROBABLE PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS IN AN ADULT

The patient presented herself to me in February, 1919, with the complaint of dyspnea, always more or less marked, but latterly very severe on exertion; vertigo; loss of 20 pounds in three months; moderate loss of appetite, some slight gastric indisposition and palpitation. <h3>HISTORY OF CASE</h3> She stated that she was the wife of a retired military officer, whom she had accompanied on all of his official duties, having cooperated energetically in his affairs and social activities. She has been moderately athletic, has had a few minor attacks of rheumatism, but recently rather severe, precordial pains radiating high into the axilla, down the left arm and into the epigastrium. All her symptoms are negative in the anamnesis. There is one child living and well at 42; no subsequent pregnancies; catamenia at 50 with no disagreeable symptoms. <h3>PHYSICAL EXAMINATION</h3> The status praesens was that of a well preserved, slender woman of