Pericardial involvement in systemic sclerosis

Article Abstract:

The incidence of pericarditis and myocardial fibrosis is much greater in persons with systemic sclerosis than in the general population. Pericarditis and myocardial fibrosis are diseases affecting the heart. Autopsy samples of pericardial tissue taken from 44 patients who had died of systemic sclerosis were examined for signs of these diseases and also mast cell infiltration. Chronic pericarditis was found in 31 of the 44 samples, but only one of 19 autopsy samples taken from patients without systemic sclerosis (the control group). Myocardial fibrosis was found in 15 of the systemic sclerosis patients, but none of the control group.

Complications and side effects, Heart, Systemic scleroderma, Scleroderma (Disease), Fibrosis, Pericarditis

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Microscopic analysis of synovial fluid - the perfect diagnostic test?

Article Abstract:

An evaluation of joint fluid samples may be a simple and effective way to identify patients with joint diseases. The evaluation gives a general assessment of the joint fluid including how clear and thick it is, its color, and whether there are abnormal substances present. It also can identify the presence and quantity of inflammatory cells. The presence of these cells in particular quantities can help identify the patient's joint disease. Studies have shown that these tests can correctly identify half of the samples tested and provide valuable information on the joints' health in an additional 46% of the samples.

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Quality control of synovial fluid crystal identification

Article Abstract:

Laboratory errors in the identification of synovial fluid crystals may be more common than other laboratory errors. Analysis of synovial fluid can provide important diagnostic information in the treatment of joint diseases. Researchers in Finland sent slides containing synovial fluid samples to 21-47 clinical laboratories annually for eight years. Laboratories that analyzed slides for four or more years made an average of one error each year. Errors were more common when the slides contained few crystals. Many laboratories have little experience with synovial fluid analysis.

Quality management, Diagnosis, Laboratory, Laboratory diagnosis

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