SummaryDescription of a typical case of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome with extensive skin purpura, circulatory collapse, meningical reaction and hypoglycemia. At autopsy, an almost complete hemorrhagical necrosis of the adrenals was found. Cultures of blood and spinal fluid showed meningococcus. The observed symptoms result from meningococcus septicemia and from acute adrenal insufficiency. The role of the adrenals in the pathogenesis of the syndrom, in spite of recent publications, is sure.