The collection of synovial tissue has evolved considerably, from specimens collected through surgical or closed biopsies, to mini-arthroscopy and ultra sound guided biopsies, allowing for a much more efficient, reliable, safe and well-tolerated procedure. Furthermore, experience in synovial tissue handling, including tissue preservation and processing has progressed, as new techniques have been introduced, allowing detailed molecular analysis well beyond morphological assessments.

On the other hand, other promising fields of research failed to produce unequivocal diagnostic, prognostic and response to treatment markers of clinical utility in patients with arthritis.

These two scenarios re-opened interest in synovial tissue analysis, not only as a way of gaining insight into the pathophysiology of the different conditions that are expressed clinically as arthritis, but also as a promise to introduce patient profiling and stratification in the field of rheumatology.

This series of manuscripts, from key actors in the process of understanding and interpreting synovitis, is aimed at shedding light on how we stand regarding the use of synovial tissue; to turn the page in precision medicine in arthritis.



Topic editor, Dr. Fonseca, received unrestricted research grants or acted as a speaker for Abbvie, Ache, Amgen, Bial, Biogen, BMS, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB. All other topic editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.

Keywords: Synovitis, arthritis, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment

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