[Immunofluorescent demonstration of heart muscle antibodies in sudden deaths]

The method used for the demonstration of antibodies was the indirect immunofluorescent method. In 30% of patients suddenly dying from ischemic heart disease the sera contained antibodies binding on the sarcolemma and the subsarcolemmal layer of muscle fibres. The results of immunofluorescent examinations have been compared with the gross and microscopical findings in the heart.