Quantitative microscopic analysis of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis synovial membrane samples selected at arthroscopy compared with samples obtained blindly by needle biopsy

Abstract

Most microscopic measures of inflammation in synovial tissue samples obtained blindly from the SPP were similar to those determined in samples selected at arthroscopy. However, measurements in samples from the SPP may underestimate the intensity of macrophage infiltration in areas more adjacent to cartilage. These observations have important implications for future study of macrophage function in synovial tissue.