Gamma globulin complexes in rheumatoid pericardial fluid

Cardiac tamponade due to pericarditis occurred in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Aspiration afforded us an opportunity to expand the characterization of pericardial fluid. Elevated acid phosphatase levels, decreased whole hemolytic complement and gamma globulin complexes similar to those found in rheumatoid synovial fluid were noted, supporting the concept of a unitary nature of inflammation in rheumatoid disease.