SYNOVIAL-FLUID CELLS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS - LIGHT AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC STUDIES

Joint fluid findings in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been d escribed in only a few series and systematic electron microscopic stud y of the synovial fluid (SF) cells has not been reported. We describe the evaluation of 17 SF in patients with SLE with routine analysis and electron microscopy. Joint effusions had a wider range of leukocyte c ounts than often appreciated, with counts varying from 875 to 39 250 c ells per mm(3). LE inclusions were seen in eight fluids and have been shown to contain chromatin-like filaments by electron microscopy. Ther e was little associated electron dense immunoglobulin-like material. T ubuloreticular structures (TRS) found in seven SF were mostly in monon uclear cells including some LE cells. The known association of TRS wit h alpha interferon and viral infections may have important implication s for pathogenesis.