THE PATHOLOGY OF SPONTANEOUS AND INDUCED SUBCUTANEOUS NODULES IN RHEUMATIC FEVER 1

Abstract

The varied literature discrepancies concerning the pathology of subcut. nodules are reviewed. The pathology of the nodules is to a considerable degree dependent upon their age. 23 spontaneous nodules and 19 artificially induced nodules are described and compared. The following time intervals were considered 1. Nodules present less than 1 mo. 2. Nodules present 1-3 mos. 3. Nodules present more than 3 mos. The histopathology of these interval groups is discussed with regard to collagen change, vessel changes, and cellular reactions. The results indicate that not only are the induced nodules clinically indistinguishable, but pathologically also there is a great similarity of structure between these and spontaneously occurring nodules of similar age.