Presentation of CaseA fifty-nine-year-old retired gardener was admitted to the hospital because of weakness of the legs.Seven years previously ocular pemphigus developed, resulting in severe corneal scarring. Six months before admission there was the onset of a cough productive of sputum, wheezing, exertional dyspnea, anorexia, night sweats and occasional shaking chills. An x-ray film of the chest was interpreted as showing bronchitis, and he was given various medications, including erythromycin, tetracycline, aminophylline, triamcinolone and potassium iodide. The respiratory symptoms subsided within a few months. Two months before admission progressive weakness of the legs began. Soon thereafter a burning . . .