This electronic edition is funded by the National Library of Medicine History of Medicine Division. This text has been proofread to a high degree of accuracy. It was converted to electronic form using Data Entry. (Medical Information Disclaimer:
It is not the intention of NLM to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health and their diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and NLM urges you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.)
OF ARETÆUS, THE CAPPADOCIAN, ON THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE DISEASE
BOOK II.
CHAPTER VIII. ON THE ACUTE DISEASE OF THE VENA CAVA
[p. 280]
exit near the spine, and is extended along it as far as the ischiatic
region; and it, also, is called vena cava. It obtains the same
name, as being one and the same vein, which derives its origin
from the liver. For if one choose, one may pass a plate of
metal from the vena cava connected with the heart to that by
the spine, and from the spine through the liver to the heart;
for it is the same passage leading upwards.
This vein, then, as I think, is all diseased in acute and
strong affections; for it is altogether one vein. But other
physicians fancy that only the part along the spine is affected,
because there are no manifest symptoms in regard to the
portion about the heart; for it is extended through the chest,
having no adhesions, but floating in the chest, until, from the
diaphragm, it adheres to the heart. If, then, any of the
great ailments seize this vein, they are concealed by the thorax
surrounding it.
Wherefore kedmata
See the note on the English
translation of Hippocrates, Syd.
Soc. Edit., vol. i. p. 216, and the
authorities there referred to. The
aneurismal varix would apply best
to it in this place. It is not unlikely
that aortal aneurisms were
sometimes confounded with it. On
this subject, see further Testa,
Malattie del Cuore, t. iii.
also form about this vein when a
hemorrhage,
bursting forth quickly proves fatal, the blood being
discharged by the lungs and the arteria aspera, if it burst in
the chest; but if, at its origin, the blood is poured into the
lower belly, so that the bowels float in it, when the patients
die before the blood makes its appearance, the belly being
filled with blood.
Inflammation likewise forms about the vein, and it, also,
proves fatal, if it be great; for there is an acrid and pungent
heat enclosed in the cavities of both, but little surpassing what
is natural, so that to the touch the heat appears to be slight;
but the patient fancies himself burning hot; pulse small, very
frequent, so as to appear compressed and forcibly accelerated;
