67 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were tissue-typed for HLA-A, -B and -C antigens. HLA-Bw62 was found in 6 of 13 (46%) HLA-B27 negative patients, compared to 9% in HLA-B27 positive AS (p greater than 0.01) and 10% in healthy blood donors (p greater than 0.001). HLA-Bw62, a split of the previous HLA-B15, belongs to the HLA-Bw35 CREG antigens, 11 of 13 (85%) of HLA-B27 negative patients had an HLA-Bw35 CREG antigen. The present results are interpreted as an indication of a direct involvement of the HLA-B locus in the pathogenesis of AS.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[(Fab')2-antiglobulins in serum and synovial fluid in patients with chronic polyarthritis].

In addition to the well-known rheumatoid factors or antiglobulins belonging to different immunoglobulin classes, a new type of antiglobulin has been found in serum and synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 15/20 sera and 6/6 synovial fluids contained serologically active material with a molecular weight of approximately 95.000 Daltons. Using chromatographic and affinity chromatographic methods as well as specific precipitation techniques, the (Fab')2 character of these antiglobulins could be ascertained. These antiglobulins may arise through enzymatic degradation of IgG or monomeric IgM antiglobulins, or may be the product of partial intracellular degradation of phagocytosed immune complexes with subsequent extrusion of such material. An in vitro blocking effect of (Fab')2 type antiglobulins on SCMC or ADCC reactions was not found.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Livedo racemosa generalisata in atrial myxoma].

We describe a patient with livedo racemosa generalisata (LRG), Raynaud's phenomenon, multifocal recurring transitory and complete ischemic attacks and laboratory findings of systemic inflammation. Working diagnoses were vasculitis, mixed connective tissue disease, or Sneddon's syndrome, but echocardiography revealed a left atrial myxoma. Special staining of skin biopsies with alcian-blue showed arterial occlusion caused by myxomatous material. Arterial embolism by parts of the myxoma is suggested to be the cause of the LRG and probably the neurological findings.

Arteries↗