Synovial Tissue Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

Synovial tissue biopsy is an excellent adjunct in rheumatology and is recommended when there is doubt as to the diagnosis of arthropathy. Cooperation between pathologist and clinician is essential for reliable interpretation.

A classification of synovial alterations is presented and a series of 111 synovial tissue examinations is reviewed. Biopsy yielded a definite diagnosis in 61 per cent of cases in which samples were obtained by punch biopsy and in 51 per cent of those in which arthrotomy was performed. Definitive diagnosis sometimes must await progression of the disease; nevertheless the value of this method is demonstrated in cases where in the anatomicopathologic diagnosis differs from the clinical diagnosis.