Orthostatic Hypotension, Anhidrosis, and Impotence

Anhidrosis and impotence occur frequently with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension. Two new cases of this syndrome, which occurs chiefly in males over 40 years of age, are herewith described. Postural vertigo and/or syncope, weakness, and anhidrosis or hypohidrosis are common symptoms, and a marked fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressure is noted when the patients stand. The pathologic physiology of the syndrome is discussed and various forms of therapy, none of them especially satisfactory, are reviewed.