Histiocytic Medullary Reticulosis in a Child

Scott and Robb-Smith (1939), using the name 'histiocytic medullary reticulosis', reported four cases of a subacute illness characterized by fever, anaemia, leucopenia, jaundice and enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen and liver. Microscopically there was a proliferation of phagocytes and giant cells in the reticulo-endothelial system, the affected tissues showing a tendency to undergo haemorrhage and necrosis. Marshall (1956a, b) described eight cases and referred to seven others reported in the literature since 1939. The disease has not been reported in children and it is for this reason that the following case is mainly of interest. (For a review of the literature and discussion ofvarious aspects of the disease Marshall's publications, 1956a, 1956b, should be consulted.)