Acute synovitis with intra-articular apatite deposits in an osteoarthritic metacarpophalangeal joint.
A patient was shown to have acute arthritis in a metacarpophalangeal joint, with local calcification indicated by x-rays. Surgical and pathological examinations showed strictly intra-articular apatite crystal deposits and an erosive osteoarthritis. These crystal deposits could account for the synovial inflammation; they are thought to be related to bone fragments embedded in the synovium. The predisposing role of previous local injections of corticosteroids is debatable.
D000208:Acute Disease; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D006882:Hydroxyapatites / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000032:analysis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*; D011859:Radiography; D013585:Synovitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism*
D006882:Hydroxyapatites