The demonstration of lymphatic channels on wrist arthrography in rheumatoid disease with particular reference to associated lymphoedema.

Delineation of lymphatic vessels is a frequent finding in arthrograms of rheumatoid joints. Arthrography of the rheumatoid wrist when associated with oedema of the upper limb reveals a characteristic pattern consistent with lymphatic obstruction. In our opinion, these findings may be regarded as further evidence in favour of lymphatic obstruction as the cause of peripheral oedema in rheumatoid arthritis. The syndrome appears to be a separate entity from idiopathic oedema of women.

Phenylbutazone and chromosomal damage.

Investigation of 44 paired test and control patients, all suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, following exposure to phenylbutazone (PBZ) and/or oxyphenbutazone (OPB), suggests that there is no significant increase in the level of chromosomal damage in lymphocytes. The control subjects comprised two series, one previously exposed to PBZ and/or OPB, but not for at least 1-5 years, and the other never exposed to PBZ or OPB. No significant difference in the level of chromosome damage was found between patients never exposed, previously exposed, or now receiving PBZ and/or OPB.