Case 5: Ernest Hemingway
 |
| Ernest Hemingway, 1899-1961 |
In 1960, after a 40 year career as an inspired author and war reporter, Ernest Hemingway arrived at the Mayo Clinic seeking treatment for his severe depression. Treatments were limited at the time, though his case was so severe that his doctors decided to try several rounds of electric shock therapy. Unfortunately their attempts did more harm than good, and only served to worsen his already declining memory, ending his writing career for good. They also happened to discover that Hemingway had a whole host of other medical problems that demanded attention. For many years he suffered from severe arthritis that was particularly advanced for a man of his age. He also had a long history of diabetes and had clear signs of cirrhosis. At the time his doctors thought years of alcoholism were likely responsible, though no unifying diagnosis was made. During his two month stay at the Mayo Clinic, he was also diagnosed with a heart condition that today would likely be labeled "congestive heart failure with preserved ejection fraction".
In 1961, Hemingway returned for another round of electric shock therapy which was again ineffective. Later that year he committed suicide as a result of his longstanding depression, chronic pain, and declining mental capabilities. While none of his individual problems are particularly rare, medical records released 30 years later reveal a single unifying diagnosis made shortly before his death. It is something surprisingly common among those of Northern European heritage, and may even have contributed to his depression and cognitive decline. What is it? Also, which characteristic type of arthritis may he have had?
Answer:
Hemochromatosis (diabetes, cirrhosis, restrictive cardiomyopathy, iron deposits in the brain). These patients are particularly prone to pseudogout.
No comments:
Post a Comment