[Articular effusions with eosinophils. Apropos of a case report]

With reference to an exceptional observation of arthritis due to Loa loa filariasis with eosinophils predominating in the joint fluid, the causes of such joint effusions are reviewed. These effusions are neither specific of nor consistent in articular manifestations of parasitic infections. Demonstration of a high eosinophil count in joint fluid should always suggest a parasitic disease. However, synovial eosinophilia may be found in many other conditions and may even appear to be primary.