[Immunologic study of subacute infectious endocarditis through the search for circulating immune complexes. Preliminary results apropos of 13 cases].

The detection of circulating immune complexes by precipitation by polyethylene glycol represents a valuable technique of study in sub-acute bacterial endocarditis. In a series of 13 patients, this measurement was carried out, confirming the quasi-constant presence of circulating immune complexes in active S.B.E. This might be of diagnostic value in forms with negative blood culture and, further, make it possible, subsequently, to find the antigen responsible by dissociation of the circulating immune complexes.