[The synovial membrane in chronic juvenile arthritis. Electron microscopy study and case report]

A case report of a patient with juvenile chronic arthritis who underwent early synovectomy of the knee joint is presented. The synovial membrane was examined by light and electron microscopy. The following signs of nonspecific inflammation were observed; lympho-plasmocytic infiltrate in the ground substance of the interstitial connective tissue, increased phagocytic activity of synovial lining cells and macrophages, and neutrophilic granulocytes. The inflammatory infiltrate is presumed to have damaged the finest part of the microcirculation--the ultracirculatory system of tissue channels. Complete remission was achieved and the function of the patient's knee joint is fully preserved.