Chondrocalcinosis

Case contributed by Khalid Alhusseiny
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Polyarthralgia. No history of trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

There is diffuse calcification seen outlining the articular surfaces of both knees. This calcification is seen also involving the medial menisci. Early osteoarthritis changes are seen involving the knee joints in the form of prominent tibial spines.

x-ray

Calcification is seen involving the triangular fibrocartilages on both wrists.

Case Discussion

Chondrocalcinosis is a term used to describe the deposition of calcium (mainly calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate; CPPD) within articular cartilage. It may be due to different metabolic disorders.

In this case, no definite etiology could be found and the clinical diagnosis is suggestive of being a familial chondrocalcinosis in the absence of clear other etiologies by the clinical examination and laboratory results.

Generally speaking, causes of chondrocalcinosis may include: hypercalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hypothyroidism, acromegaly, gout, and Wilson disease.

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