Brain stem encephalitis in ornithosis.

studies of CSF in Sydenham's chorea, the -use of qualitative as well as newer quan- titative IgG methods2 15 17 18 would be desirable.Since the incidence of Sydenham's chorea appears to be declining markedly"9 in those part of the world where the appro- priate laboratory facilities are readily avail- able, this may be easier said than done.Finally, it is noteworthy that circulating immune complexes were not detected in this patient's serum.Citing unpublished obser- vations, Husby et al4 recorded the presence of immune complexes in "virtually all acute sera from children with chorea" and questioned the relevance of their occurrence to the means whereby serum antineuronal anti- bodies might gain access to the brain.Alter- native mechanisms of blood brain barrier disruption in Sydenham's chorea have been suggested' 3 with which the findings in the present case would not be at variance.