Chromosome changes in the leukocytes from patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Alterations in chromosome number and structure could be detected in phytohemagglutin-stimulated leukocyte cultures from four patients with an ascertained diagnosis, of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Chromosome changes are polymorphous, involving most frequently the acrocentric group G or D chromosomes. It is suggested that chromosome damage might represent a diagnostic indication before the onset of neurologic symptoms.