Figure 1. Example of gout crystals (monosodium urate crystals) visualized (40x objective) under polarized light with red compensator (black arrow indicates the axis of the compensator).

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Synovial fluid (SF), is a dialysate of plasma that internally covers the cavities of synovial joints. It is formed by ultrafiltration of plasma in the synovial capillaries.

There are two types of cells on the synovial lining known as type "A" and "B" synoviocytes. The type A cells have phagocytic functions while the type B cells with secretion functions, add to the SF among other substances, mucopolysaccharides with high hyaluronate content that gives it the characteristic viscosity.

Figure 1. Microscopic examination (100x) of Wright-Giemsa stained peripheral blood smear from the patient revealed ring forms of Plasmodium parasites. P. falciparum rings have delicate cytoplasm and one or two small chromatin dots.

We present a case of a male from Ghana who lives in Spain and comes back after visiting his country for the first time in 10 years. He received malarial chemoprophylactic treatment for 3 weeks (before and during the trip), but not after the return.