Having read of severe general reactions following the injection of sodium morrhuate into a varicose vein in an article by Dr. Maurice L. Dale in The Journal for Feb. 27, 1937, and in an article by Dr. Kenneth M. Lewis in the issue of Oct. 17, 1936, we report our case to emphasize the possible dangers of this form of therapy.
W. J., aged 30, was treated on March 12, 1937, with the injection of S cc. of 5 per cent sodium morrhuate (Kirk) into the right leg below the knee. At that time he made no complaint and no reaction was discernible. On March 18 the injection was repeated. The patient's face quickly turned pale and the lips blue. He was advised to recline on the table for about five minutes, after which he said he felt "all right" and outwardly appeared so. We asked him to remain in