Chronic juvenile toxic epidemic syndrome.

The clinical manifestations in 21 children with chronic toxic epidemic syndrome (TES) and musculoskeletal manifestations were analysed and compared with those of the adult population. The sex ratio (2.5:1, F/M) was different from the one found in adults (6:1, F/M). The neuromuscular syndrome, the scleroderma-like picture, the pulmonary hypertension, and the Raynaud's phenomenon characteristic of TES were similar to those in adults but milder in children. The less severe vascular endothelial lesions found on microscopic examination might explain the better prognosis in this age group.