My interest in rupture of the rectum during proctoscopic examination was aroused when the case presented here came under my care:
History.
—A white man, aged 44, a city fireman, married, was seen, Feb. 5, 1929, with the complaint of severe constipation, loss of appetite, general weakness, and a history of an attack of influenza three weeks previous to his visit. A general examination disclosed myocardial degeneration, a systolic pressure of 104 and a small quantity of albumin in the urine.A proctoscopic examination showed a normal empty rectum. A diagnosis of postinfluenzal exhaustion and constipation was made and the patient was given an anticonstipation diet, told to take liquid petrolatum, and advised to rest and to spend a few hours each day in the sunshine.Because the constipation was not entirely relieved by the liquid petrolatum and the diet, or for some reason not known to me, a nurse