Acute synovitis

Acute synovitis is an inflammatory process involving the synovium.

This article deal with nonspecific causes of acute synovitis (acute nonspecific synovitis).

General

• Cultures negative - by definition.
• Nonspecific finding.
• May form a tumour-like mass.

Microscopic

Features:

• Synovium with abundant neutrophils.
• No significant number of plasma cells.

DDx:

• Infectious synovitis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis - should have plasma cells.

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SYNOVIUM, LEFT FIFTH FINGER, EXCISION:
- ACUTE SYNOVITIS WITH FOCAL HEMOSIDERIN-LADEN MACROPHAGES AND FIBROVASCULAR TISSUE.
- NO SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PLASMA CELLS ARE IDENTIFIED.
- NO MICROORGANISMS APPARENT WITH ROUTINE STAINS, SEE COMMENT.
- NO EVIDENCE OF MALIGNANCY.

COMMENT:
Correlation with microbiology is suggested.

SYNOVIUM, RIGHT ELBOW, BIOPSY:
- ACUTE SYNOVITIS.
- NO MICROORGANISMS IDENTIFIED WITH ROUTINE STAINS.
- NEGATIVE FOR MALIGNANCY.

COMMENT:
Correlation with microbiology is suggested.

See also

• Joints.