The arthropathy of Wilson's disease: clinical and pathologic features.
Twenty-two patients with Wilson's disease were evaluated for arthropathy with history, examination, and radiographs. Knee arthroscopy with cartilage and synovial biopsies was performed in 4 patients. Radiologic findings were minimal, including osteophytes, subchondral cysts, and joint space narrowing. Chondrocalcinosis was observed in 3 patients. Cartilage and synovial biopsies studied by energy dispersive elemental analysis showed copper and sulfur diffusely throughout cartilage in 2 of 4 patients. No crystals were found. The finding of copper in cartilage biopsies suggests that copper deposition may be a factor in the etiology of arthropathy, although definitive studies remain to be performed.
Menerey
K A
KA
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor.
Eider
W
W
Brewer
G J
GJ
Braunstein
E M
EM
Schumacher
H R
HR
Fox
I H
IH
D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002356:Cartilage / Q000378:metabolism; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003300:Copper / Q000378:metabolism; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013455:Sulfur / Q000378:metabolism
D013455:Sulfur; D003300:Copper; D003094:Collagen