[New pathogenetic aspects of rheumatoid arthritis]

Inflammatory changes in the epiphyseal bones in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are demonstrated which correspond to changes in the bone organ far from pannus. They may be the cause for the demineralisation near to joint (first x-ray sign to rheumatoid arthritis). Further from the analysis of immune complexes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis apart from rheumatoid and antinuclear factors and IgM-antibody against plasma membranes was the result. These two findings are new in the description of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Their possible importance for the development of the arthrosis is discussed.