We have previously reported detection of Au-SH antigen in six of seven clinically and histologically characteristic cases of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN).1 Independently, Gocke et al found this antigen in four of 11 cases.2 In this communication, we shall review the clinical and serological findings on 15 patients with PAN in whom Au-SH antigen or antibody by agar gel diffusion (AGD),3 immunoelectroosmophoresis (IEOP),4 by passive hemagglutination (HA), and hemagglutination inhibition (HAI).5
Results
The Au-SH antigen was found in seven out of 15 cases of PAN in Lyon, France. Antigen was not detected in most cases if the disease had persisted for many years. A total of 14 cases of PAN with detectable Au-SH antigen and one case with Au-SH antibody were studied with the cooperation of several colleagues. Detailed serologic data on these cases are summarized in the Table. Antigen was detected during the first 3