Decreased serum complement in the Gardner-Diamond syndrome: immunofluorescent findings and association with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy.

Immunologic and immunofluorescent profiles of two patients with the Gardner-Diamond syndrome are described. During the time ecchymoses were present, both patients had decreased serum complement levels; when the lesions healed, the serum complement level returned to normal. One patient had associated angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy and subepidermal deposits of immunoglobulin IgM at the basement membrane of ecchymotic skin. The other patient had a normal immunofluorescent pattern. Both patients had increased B-cell counts. The association of immunologic and immunofluorescent findings in patients with the Gardner-Diamond syndrome is suggestive and deserves further study.