Table 1

Investigations performed in November 1992

InvestigationIndicationResult
Cytomegalovirus antibody concentrationsTo exclude current infectionNegative
Hepatitis B and C antibody concentrationsTo exclude current infectionNegative
Coxiella burnetti antibody concentrationsTo exclude current infectionNegative
Epstein-Barr virus antibody concentrationsTo exclude current infectionEvidence of past infection
Bone marrow cultureTo exclude tuberculosisNegative
Labelled white cell scanTo exclude current infectionNegative
Abdominal ultrasoundTo look for evidence of tumour, lymphadenopathy,  abscess, interstitial liver diseaseNormal
Liver biopsyTo look for evidence of inflammatory or malignant  diseaseNormal
EchocardiogramTo look for evidence of endocarditisNormal
Barium follow throughTo look for evidence of inflammatory bowel  disease or lymphomaNormal
cANCATo look for evidence of vasculitis especially Wegener’s granulomatosusLow titre 1/30
Sinus radiographsTo look for evidence of Wegener’s granulomatosusBilateral mucosal thickening