Bornholm Disease or Epidemic Pleurodynia: A Study of Twenty-Four Cases and Review of Literature

Bornholm disease has been shown to be a much more common disease than is generally known. A historical outline of the disease has been given. Evidence has been stated for the assumption that Bornholm disease is due to an infection of the diaphragm, with spread to the muscles above and below the costal margin. The search for the infecting agent has been described and the evidence that the Coxsackie virus is responsible has been detailed. Reference has also been made to the similarities between the Coxsackie virus and the Poliomyelitis virus. The epidemiology and manifestations of an outbreak of Bornholm disease in Crossgates district of Fife, in 1951, have been recorded. Twenty-four cases have been described. The apparent spread of the disease in Britain in 1951 has been shown. Findings in the Grossgates cases have been discussed, compared and contrasted with those of other observers. The possible complications have been dealt with and notes on the differential diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment given. Certain conclusions have been drawn from a study of the cases and literature, and these have been tabulated, special reference being made to the friction rubs which may occur during the course of the illness, and the possible recurrences of the disease