Abstract

SUMMARYTwo cases of acute porphyria are presented. These were characterized by rather sudden onset of acute abdominal pain followed after an interval by muscular paralysis and wasting which showed some predilection for the upper extremities and particularly the shoulder girdles. The deep reflexes were not so depressed as would be expected from the degree of atrophy. One patient developed hypertension and convulsions. The disease may easily be mistaken for a psychogenic disturbance by an unwary examiner. Examination of the urine for porphobilinogen is recommended in obscure muscular atrophies.