Test and teach. Number twenty-one. Diagnosis: practolol induced sclerosing peritonitis

A relatively uncommon but unique and life threatening iatrogenic condition is described. There are few aids to diagnosis but once it is known that the patient has been on practolol the surgical and pathological findings are pathognomonic. Other practolol related side effects are usually present in the patient. The conditions may develop months or possibly years after cessation of intake of the drug and further cases may occur, although practolol has been withdrawn from use. Awareness of the condition is therefore of continuing importance.