Study Case- Synovial Fluid

Question 1

A midd le-aged women is exh ibiting swelling in both her knees after a fa ll while skiing. The i mages below show the resu lts of an a rthrocentesis performed in the emergency department a few days later.

1. Provide the physical description for this synovial fluid
   shown in Figure 14-19.
2. Identify the cells in Figure 14-20.
3. Classify this synovial effusion.
4. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer 1

1. Provide the physical description for this synovial fluid shown in Figure 14-19.
   => Red and cloudy
2. Identify the cells in Figure 14-20.
   =>. Mixture of cells from peripheral blood: RBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes.
3. Classify this synovial effusion.
   =>Group V: hemorrhagic.
4. What is the most likely diagnosis?
   => Hemorrhagic effusion due to trauma.

Question 2

An elderly man is experienci ng el bow pa in. The i mages below show the resu lts of an a rthrocentesis.

1. Provide the physical description for this synovial fluid
   shown in Figure 14-2 1.
2. Identify the crystals in Figure 14-22.
3. Classify this synovial effusion.
4. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Answer 2

1. Provide the physical description for this synovial fluid shown in Figure 14-2 1.
   => White and cloudy
2. Identify the crystals in Figure 14-22.
   => Monosodium urate
3. Classify this synovial effusion.
   =>Group IV: crystal induced.
4. What is the most likely diagnosis?
   =>Gout.