Phreno-celiac disease and merycism in adults.

In this paper are described two new examples of a peculiar semiological association of which the authors have already reported a case, and in which occured simultaneously a phreno-coeliac disease and merycism since childhood. Strong epigastric pains accompained the merycism. In these two cases, the compression of the coeliac trunk by the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm was important; in one case existed besides a compressive stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery. After the surgical liberation of the coeliac artery and the peri-coeliac neurectomy in one case, all symptoms relieved. This good result persists after twelve months. Because of the rarity of the phreno-coeliac disease and of this type of merycism, the authors think that this association is not accidental, but the result of a new nosological association.