The L. E.-Cell Phenomenon in Chronic Hepatic Disease

THE L. E.-cell phenomenon has been considered to be specific for systemic lupus erythematosus.1 2 3 4 5 6 Several large surveys have not revealed any false-positive L. E. tests.1 2 3 4 5 6 Nevertheless, its occurrence has been reported in other pathologic states such as multiple myeloma, pernicious anemia and moniliasis,7 8 9 10 in hypersensitivity reactions11 , 12 and in the rheumatoid syndrome after treatment with hydralazine.13 , 14 It has been emphasized that in patients with drug hypersensitivity, cells undergoing nucleophagocytosis may simulate the L. E. cell.15 16 17 18 In other cases of hypersensitivity reactions, and in the syndrome that follows hydralazine therapy, cells indistinguishable from classic L. E. cells have been found.11 12 13 14 The demonstration . . .