Crocus has a number of heart symptoms including “stitches and shocks.” But the most characteristic symptom is as if something were hopping or jumping in the chest.
CASE X.-ACUTE RHEUMATISM WITH ENDOCARDITIS AND EFFUSION INTO THE PERICARDIUM. ACTION OF Mercurius viv. COMPENSATION ESTABLISHED.
Daisy K., aged 6, admitted into the hospital in February, 1893, was first seen by me on February 4th.
She had then been ill about a week, complaining of pains in the feet. Right knee and right hand and fingers were swollen. Tongue covered with thick white fur; throat reddened but no patches; pain on swallowing. The patient was very much prostrated; she was worse at night, screaming with pain nearly all night long. There was marked increase in the area of cardiac dullness, showing effusion into the pericardium, and a mitral systolic bruit. The patient complained of pain in the region of the heart. The temperature had been up to 102 degree. There was much night perspiration.
Before I saw her she had received Aconite, Bryonia, and Belladonna, the last of which had given some relief. The patient was, however, in great distress, and the symptoms-pain and effusion into joints and pericardium, white tongue, heavy perspirations, and with marked aggravation of symptoms at night- pointed so strongly to Mercurius, that I prescribed that medicine.
Treatment Mercurius viv. 12, one drop in water every hour for four doses, and then every two hours.
There was an immediate change for the better as the next day’s report showed.
February 5th.-Patient had a very good night. The right side is now quite well. The left knee, ankle, and (slightly) the left hand are swollen. Temperature lower. Repeat.
February 7th.-Better; heart dullness diminished in extent; child less fretful. Repeat every four hours.
February 11th.-Temperature normal, heart dullness now normal, showing that the effusion was re-absorbed. No pain anywhere; tongue still coated. Repeat.
February 18th.-The general condition is now quite good; the systolic bruit is still present, but there are no symptoms.
On February 20th I gave Calcarea 30, leaving off the Mercurius; and on the 24th I changed the prescription to Arsen. 12. She left the hospital on March 4th perfectly well in all respects, except the defect of the mitral valve; but this was so far compensated that it gave rise to no symptoms whatever.
