Medicine · 1976 · 281 citations · 0 references
MedicineImmunologyInternal MedicineAutoimmunityHepatologyImmunopathologyAutoimmune DiseasesAutoimmune VasculitisLiver DiseaseViral HepatitisViral InfectionsHepatitis B E AntigenImmune-mediated VasculitisVasculitis Pathogenesis
The development of generalized necrotizing vasculitis in association with hepatitis B antigenemia is the first example in man of a chronic rheumatic disease presumably caused by a viral infection. This report reviews the experience in nine biopsy-proven cases of hepatitis B-associated necrotizing vasculitis followed for up to six years. The natural history of the disease is emphasized and the manifestations of patients with vasculitis who carry hepatitis B antigen are compared with those of vasculitis patients who are antigen negative.