[Hepatitis-B-surface antigen and panarteritis (author's transl)].

A case of an acutely beginning histologically proved panarteritis is described which was initiated by hepatitis B caused by blood transfusions. After one year of steroid therapy the arteritis was no longer seen histologically, Australia-antigen became negative. Terminally the patient developed an apoplexy, renewed gastric bleeding, septicemia with obstructive jaundice, nose bleeding, increasing renal insufficiency, and cardiac failure. The Australia-antigen reappeared in the serum. It could be assumed that the panarteritis had progressed. Immune complexes of Australia-antigen and corresponding antibodies which are deposited in the vascular wall and cause an inflammatory reaction, are being held responsible for the panateritis. They were proved serologically and by immunofluorescence in the vascular wall. In cases of panarteritis of unknown origin Australia-antigen can be found in a high percentage, as was demonstrated by a second case.