Chylous synovial effusion in rheumatoid arthritis: Clinical and pathogenetic significance

Abstract
A case of rheumatoid arthritis with a chylous synovial effusion is reported. The synovial fluid sediment was shown to contain numerous cholesterol crystals and fat droplets. Chemical studies revealed an elevated free cholesterol level and a decreased fraction of ester cholesterol. Intrasynovial acetate-1-C14 studies suggested that local biosynthesis contributed to the cholesterol accumulation.