HLA antigens and myxedema

In 22 cases of myxedema 22 HLA-A and B antigens were typed. In six out of eight patients with a history of subacute thyroiditis Bw35 antigen was demonstrated, while in none of 14 patients free from this disease in anamnesis could this antigen be found. This difference is statistically significant, and suggests classifying of myxedema patients into two groups according to pathogenesis of the disease.