Acute calcific periarthritis

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Acute onset, the atraumatic origin of the left thumb severe pain for the last one day. Local swelling with redness was present. No fever.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Female
ultrasound

There is a well-defined soft tissue calcification (4 x 4 x 3 mm) on the volar side of the MCP joint which correlates with the site of tenderness. It is located radial to the midline and distal to the sesamoid bone. There is local subcutaneous edema and hypervascularity. The radial and ulnar collateral ligaments are normal. The flexor tendon is normal without tenosynovitis. The extensor tendon is intact. There is no effusion involving MCP joint. The neurovascular bundles of the thumb are normal.

Case Discussion

A female presented with an acute onset of the thumb MCP joint region pain. The ultrasound shows local soft-tissue deposition with surrounding subcutaneous edema and hypervascularity. The clinical presentation and the ultrasound findings are classic for acute calcific periarthritis.

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