title: Synovial calcifications associated with long-term steroid therapy for chronic arthritis.
abstract: Radiologically detected synovial densities may be related to one of several distinct causes. The associated articular appearance may give a clue to the diagnosis. We have described the stippled appearance of innumerable distinct densities in the knees of two patients who had progressive destructive changes associated with long-term steroid therapy. We suggest that prolonged steroid therapy be added to the list of processes associated with diffuse small synovial calcifications.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone