Cytologic manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis in pleural effusion: a case report

The cytologic changes of rheumatoid pleural effusions have been reported infrequently. A case is presented illustrating that the recognition of these changes can have clinical significance. The diagnostic cytologic picture comprises multinucleated giant cells and histiocytes in a granular, necrotic background. The probable tissue origin of the cytologic findings is discussed.