Abstract
The association between memory loss and Hodgkin's lymphoma has been given the eponym of Ophelia syndrome, in memory of Shakespeare's character in The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Nevertheless, there are differences between the disease and the character. To review the origins and uses of the eponym through an original article by pathologist Ian Carr, its relation to the character Ophelia, and the related autoantibodies. Historical narrative review. Besides an eloquent description in the original article, Carr presaged the presence of autoantibodies, before they had been thoroughly researched. Since then, five different autoantibodies (mGluR5, Hu, NMDAR, SOX, PCA2) have been associated with Hodgkin's disease. It is interesting to note the divergent outcomes of Shakespeare's character and the patient in the original description by Carr, the latter recovering to lead a normal life, and the former deceased. Although there is little relationship between the fictional character and the syndrome, both imply the unintentional trigger of self-harm (suicide in one case, autoimmunity in the other), thus remaining associated.
Highlights
The association between memory loss and Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been given the eponym of Ophelia syndrome, in memory of Shakespeare’s character in The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
Dr Carr’s daughter never committed suicide, nor was she involved in an event related to water (Bachelard’s Ophelia complex); a situation that made one of the authors (CASR) wonder about the appropriateness of the name, having found a blog entry under the provoking title “When Shakespeare meets neurology”, which briefly addressed the topic[8]; while another author (SACT) re-explored Hamlet in search of clues that might reinforce the association
What did Dr Carr see in his daughter that reminded him of Ophelia? We suggest her innocence made mad by an external factor, with him watching from afar—through a glass—as Ophelia was seen through the waters in which her life ended, by an external factor
Summary
The association between memory loss and Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been given the eponym of Ophelia syndrome, in memory of Shakespeare’s character in The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Objective: To review the origins and uses of the eponym through an original article by pathologist Ian Carr, its relation to the character Ophelia, and the related autoantibodies. Results: Besides an eloquent description in the original article, Carr presaged the presence of autoantibodies, before they had been thoroughly researched. Five different autoantibodies (mGluR5, Hu, NMDAR, SOX, PCA2) have been associated with Hodgkin’s disease. Two remarkable things can be derived from Carr’s article: his presaging of neuronal autoantibodies before the first association between autoantibodies and limbic encephalitis had been made[2], and giving memory loss secondary to Hodgkin’s disease, the eponym “Ophelia syndrome”, in reminiscence of Shakespeare’s character, Ophelia, in Hamlet. The Bard’s plays have captivated neurologists and psychiatrists, with a recent review suggesting he was a Renaissance
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
