title: Olecranon bursitis related to calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease.
abstract: A case of olecranon bursitis in an 81-year-old patient is presented. Analysis of the bursal fluid revealed positive birefringent crystals; radiographs showed calcifications in the distal triceps tendon. A bursectomy was performed. X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrated calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate patterns in a subcutaneous "tophus" and in a specimen of the tendon. On histologic examination, there was a bursitis with positive birefringent crystals on the bursa's inner surface; histologic images of "chondrocalcinosis" were observed in and around the tendon. It is concluded that bursitis may be part of the extraarticular manifestations of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002062:Bursitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate / Q000032:analysis*; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003460:Crystallization; D011756:Diphosphates / Q000032:analysis*; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013710:Tendons / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D011756:Diphosphates; D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate