COMMUXICATIONS 805

Request for Rheumatic Nodule Tissue Sir:

In the course of tissue culture studies on the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever we are in need of rheumatic nodules which have recently formed in the course of rheumatic carditis. These structures have become rare due to the recent decrease in the prevalence and severity of acute rheumatic fever and the widespread use of steroids.

The nodule should be situated on the extrem- ities, be readily accessible to biopsy and prefer- ably should be just in the process of forming, although nodules of any age would be welcome. Because of the possibility of confusion with other lesions we would prefer not to have nodules of the scalp.

We would be deeply grateful to 'any physician or investigator who could make such tissues avail- able. Self-addressed air express containers with tissue culture fluid together with certain details concerning the technic of biopsy will be made available to those who feel they might be in a position to help.

Sections of hearts of children who have died in the course of a first attack of rheumatic carditis would also be appreciated.

BEHNICE G. WEDLW, M.D. National Institutes of Health Bethesda, Alaryland 20014