engleski

Cytology of synovial effusion

Objective: Cytological analysis ofthe synovial fluid is one of the methods that gives valuable information particularly with respect to the differential diagnosis of arthropathies. Study design: We have analysed the morphologic composition of the cell population in joint, fluid of 38 patients as well as physical characteristics of effusions (colour, viscosity, presence of crystals). We have compared the cytological analysis with clinical diagnosis and laboratory examinations (leukocyte count, electrophoresis of proteins, Waaler-Rose and Latex tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Results: According to the type of cells present in the joint effusion it was possible to classify them into three cytomorphologic types: type I with preponderance of polymorphs, type II with polymorphonuclears and lymphocytes and type lll with numerous cells of local origin (serosa cells). Effusions belonging to the first type obtained almost exclusively from patients with acute rheumatoid arthritis (12 patients out of 38). The second cytomorphologic type was found in 16 patients: half of them had chronic rheumatoid arthritis and half of them other chronic arthritis (psoriatic, gout). The third cytomorphologic type was traumatic with weak signs of synovitis (6 patients) or essentially non-intlammatory (4 patients). Conclusion: According to our results we conclude that cytological classification of synovial effusion is applicable in the differential diagnosis ofarthropathies especially for differentiation inflammatory and non-inflammatory joint disease.

synovial effusion; cell type; arthropaties

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