Diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease by fine needle aspiration biopsy: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease is a relatively rare disease with variable clinical presentations.


METHODS
A 73-year-old man presented with worsening lower back pain and fever. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lumbar vertebral bodies (L3-L4) revealed abundant neutrophils admixed with small, birefringent, rhomboid crystals in Diff-Quik-stained smears. These crystals were confirmed as calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate on cell block sections. A diagnosis of osteomyelitis and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease was rendered. The patient was treated with antibiotics and responded well.


CONCLUSIONS
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease can be diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy, and an accurate diagnosis can be greatly facilitated by cell block sections. However, such a diagnosis may be neglected if the specimen is not carefully inspected.
Pakzad
Kourosh
K
Department of Pathology, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse 13210, USA.
Yang
Yi Jun
YJ
Ambrose
Joseph L
JL
Landas
Steve K
SK
D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications