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Small inclusions in the cytoplasm of leukocytes in LE cell tests
Abstract:
Small homogeneous basophilic and eosinophilic particles varying in size from 0.7 to 3.0 micra were seen in cytoplasm of monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells of leukocytes in LE cell tests. The aim of this investigation was to determine their frequency and diagnostic significance. Inclusions were found in one-third of LE cell tests on patients with rheumatic diseases and were not observed in normals. In 19.1% of 161 patients with SLE, they were present before LE cells were found. Sixty-eight% of patients who had particles had SLE, 8% had rheumatoid arthritis with LE cells, and 3% had nonrheumatic diseases.
Insights
Small particles in leukocytes were found in LE cell tests for rheumatic diseases, aiding diagnosis. These inclusions appeared in SLE patients before LE cells, indicating potential early detection of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- LE cell tests are used in diagnosing rheumatic diseases.
- Intracytoplasmic particles in leukocytes have been observed during LE cell testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and diagnostic significance of intracytoplasmic particles in LE cell tests.
- To investigate the association of these particles with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other rheumatic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of LE cell tests from patients with rheumatic diseases and normal individuals.
- Microscopic examination for the presence of basophilic and eosinophilic particles (0.7-3.0 µm) in leukocyte cytoplasm.
- Correlation of particle presence with clinical diagnoses, including SLE and rheumatoid arthritis.
Main Results:
- Particles were observed in one-third of LE cell tests from patients with rheumatic diseases, and not in normal controls.
- In 19.1% of 161 SLE patients, these particles were detected before the appearance of LE cells.
- Particles were associated with SLE in 68% of cases, rheumatoid arthritis with LE cells in 8%, and nonrheumatic diseases in 3%.
Conclusions:
- Intracytoplasmic particles in LE cell tests hold diagnostic significance for rheumatic diseases, particularly SLE.
- The presence of these particles may serve as an early indicator for SLE, preceding the formation of LE cells.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the exact nature and role of these particles in disease pathogenesis.