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Synovitis of familial mediterranean fever. A histologic and ultrastructural study
Abstract:
The microscopic and ultrastructural features seen in the synovium of twelve patients affected by the protracted arthritis variety of FMF is described. It would appear that the small vessels of the synovial membrane are the principle target organ in this articular pathology. Intra articular injections of colloidal radioactive gold, or hydrocortisone, do not alter the histologic and ultrastructural appearance of the affected synovia. Neither do these findings change in the regenerated synovia, growing after a surgical synovectomy. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Insights
Microscopic examination reveals small synovial blood vessels as the primary target in protracted Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) arthritis. Treatments like gold injections or hydrocortisone did not alter these affected synovial features.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
- Histology
Background:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) can present with protracted arthritis.
- Synovial involvement is a key feature of FMF arthritis, but its specific pathology requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the microscopic and ultrastructural features of synovial tissue in patients with protracted FMF arthritis.
- To identify the primary target organ within the synovium affected by this condition.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic and ultrastructural analysis of synovial biopsies from twelve FMF patients.
- Histologic examination of regenerated synovium after surgical synovectomy.
Main Results:
- Small blood vessels within the synovial membrane appear to be the principal target in FMF-related arthritis.
- Intra-articular injections of colloidal radioactive gold or hydrocortisone did not modify the observed histologic or ultrastructural features.
- These features remained unchanged even in regenerated synovium following synovectomy.
Conclusions:
- The small synovial vessels are critically implicated in the pathology of protracted FMF arthritis.
- Current intra-articular treatments and surgical intervention do not appear to alter the characteristic ultrastructural changes in the synovium.