Synoviale Veränderungen bei Erkrankungen des rheumatologischen Formenkreises und Differenzialdiagnosen

The investigation of alterations to synovial tissue can contribute to the diagnosis of joint and systemic diseases. The domain of histological diagnostics is important to differentiate tumorous and inflammatory conditions. Moreover, crystal arthropathies and certain metabolic diseases can be identified. The histological picture of granulomatous synovitis can be caused by a mycobacterial infection, sarcoidosis and foreign body reactions as well as rare genetic diseases. Furthermore, subtyping of amyloidosis is possible in the tunica synovialis. Molecular methods enable reliable and rapid diagnostics of septic arthritis and a subtyping of microorganisms. Additionally, reactive arthritis can also be classified by the identification of DNA or RNA of microorganisms in joint tissue or fluid. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Molecular methods, such as micro-RNA technology or proteomics methods can assist in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.