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appeared normal to inspection, but palpation gave the impression of sustained localized gastrospasm. This spasm, however, underwent spontaneous relaxation after an interval of several minutes. T h e authors cite a similar case which was actually resected a n d where subsequent examination of the specimen revealed no abnormal pathology. T h e y ascribe such conditions to " muscular mucosal spasm " and postulate some inco-ordination of the autonomic nervous supply. Forsell (1923) discusses at length the formation of rugo a n d the mechanism and movement of mucous membranes. It might b e argued that following such sustained muscular contraction of the antrum a permanent deformity of the mucosa m a y result a n d give rise to a n obstructing diaphragm. T h e s e redundant mucosal rug= of the pyloric antrum may b e similar to those described b y Eliason, Pendergrass, a n d Wright (1926), which cause prolapse of the mucosa into the pyloric canal and are sometimes associated with adult hypertrophy (Bockus, 1946) a n d old or recent duodenal ulceration.Even if such a state of sustained muscular spasm in the region of the incisura does i n fact take place, it would hardly seem justified to postulate that a permanent deformity can thereby result. The clearly defined and regular nature of the diaphragm, unassociated with any excess rugo, would seem to be more in favour of its being congenital in origin. SUMMARY I. A case of partial atresia of the pyloric antrum by a n obstructing mucosal diaphragm is described. 2.T h e possible factors in its aetiology are considered.

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