Is there utility in obtaining pericardial fluid autoimmune labs such as ANA or RF in patients with recurrent idiopathic pericardial effusions, but no other clinical or serologic evidence of rheumatic disease?
Answer from: at Community Practice
There seems not to be a consensus literature on this topic, so my answer is based on common sense rather than science. The first step is a detailed history (including family history) and physical examination looking for evidence of inflammatory joint disease with/without other findings that might fo...
Sign in or Register to read more
Answer from: at Academic Institution
The answer lies in those who are familiar with the identification of LE cells. All four ingredients necessary for their formation are naturally present in any abnormal body fluid that accumulates in an SLE patient, namely: nuclear material, antinuclear antibodies, complement, and phagocytic cells (n...