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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?

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Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Rheumatology · Berkshire Health Systems

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...

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