Extract
Proteus syndrome is a rare hamartomatous disease characterized by
multifocal
overgrowth1. Because
of its variable clinical presentation, the condition is named after the Greek
sea god "Proteus," who had the ability to appear in the form of
any creature to avoid being captured. Although the name for the syndrome was
coined
recently2,3,
it is thought that the condition was mentioned by
Treves4 as early as
1885. The patient, Joseph Carey Merrick (better known as the Elephant Man),
described by Treves is believed to have had Proteus
syndrome5,6.