[Severe forms of so-called functional epigastric pain].

The authors report 17 severe cases of functional epigastric pain. There was a long history of severe pain with an effect on general health. It was resistant to usual symptomatic treatment. There were two special characteristics: fixity in time, and the ability to produce the pain on palpation of the region around the aorta. A psychological study showed an unusual form of neurotic decompensation occurring under special circumstances. Drug treatment in hospital gave favourable results which were maintained 2 to 5 years later on follow up.