Lymphocyte subset abnormalities in patients with spasmodic torticollis.

The aetiology of spasmodic torticollis is unknown but the patients form a heterogeneous group among which are cases apparently precipitated by a viral illness and others associated with autoimmune disease. We therefore decided to investigate the immunoregulatory lymphocyte subsets in our 11 cases. A significant decrease of both helper and suppressor lymphocytes was identified in the group, together with in vitro evidence of depressed suppressor cell function. Disturbance of the immune response may play a role in this puzzling disorder.