Incidental findings involving the temporomandibular joint on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is frequently imaged in head and neck computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Depending on the indication for the study, an abnormality of the TMJ may be an incidental finding. These findings encompass both intra- and extra-articular disorders. They may also be related to local, regional or systemic conditions. Familiarity with these findings along with pertinent clinical information helps narrow the list of differential diagnoses. While definitive diagnosis may not be immediately apparent, a systematic approach contributes to improved discussions between clinicians and radiologists and better patient management.

Diagnóstico de síndrome de Gitelman en paciente con condrocalcinosis / Diagnosis of gitelman syndrome in patient with condrocalcinosis

RESUMEN Introducción: El síndrome de Gitelman es una tubulopatía caracterizada por alcalosis metabólica hipopotasémica, hipomagnesemia e hipocalciuria. Sus efectos musculoesqueléticos son comunes, pudiendo provocar desarrollo de condrocalcinosis. Caso clínico: Paciente con condrocalcinosis de larga data asociada a hipomagnesemia crónica en tratamiento con calcio y magnesio. Tras la suspensión del tratamiento debido a una intervención quirúrgica presentó debilidad generalizada, alcalosis metabólica, hipopotasemia, hipomagnesemia e hipocalciuria con diagnóstico final de síndrome de Gitelman. Tras la instauración de tratamiento, mejoró clínica y analíticamente manteniendo cifras iónicas estables. Discusión y conclusiones: Resulta fundamental un adecuado diagnóstico de este tipo de tubulopatías, ya que un tratamiento adecuado evita complicaciones asociadas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Gitelman syndrome is a renal tubule disease that involves hypokalaemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalciuria. The musculoskeletal effects of Gitelman syndrome are common, including the development of chondrocalcinosis. Clinical case: A female patient with long-standing chondrocalcinosis associated with chronic hypomagnesaemia on treatment with calcium and magnesium. After the suspension of the treatment due to surgery, she presented with a generalised weakness, metabolic alkalosis, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalciuria, with final diagnosis of Gitelman syndrome. After re-introducing the treatment, she improved clinically, with electrolytes remaining stable. Discussion and conclusions: A proper diagnosis of this type of tubular diseases is essential because an adequate treatment avoids associated complications.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Pseudogout / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) caused by pseudogout is an uncommon disease. The authors report a 65-year-old female who complained of sudden pain and neurological symptoms on her left hand. Surgical decompression was performed. In the histologic study, a calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposit was confirmed. Her pain and neurological symptoms were relieved. Because CTS caused by pseudogout is rare, it is difficult to differentiate it from other diseases. This paper reports an uncommon case of CTS caused by pseudogout.

Síndrome de la apófisis odontoides coronada, una manifestación inusual de dolor cervical: presentación de un caso / Crowned Dens Syndrome, An Unusual Manifestation of Cervical Pain: A Case Report

Las enfermedades por depósito de cristales de pirofosfato dihidratado de calcio o hidroxiapatita se pueden manifestar en cualquier articulación y cuando se acumulan en la columna cervical pueden causar dolor. El síndrome de la apófisis odontoides coronada es una rara condición clínica que consiste en la calcificación en forma de corona de los ligamentos que rodean a la apófisis odontoides. Se describe el caso de un hombre de 70 años de edad con una semana de cervicalgia, cefalea y fiebre, que ingresa por sospecha de patología neurológica. Se realiza TC de cráneo que documenta calcificaciones lentiformes del ligamento transverso del atlas. Se instaura manejo con corticosteroides y antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, con mejoría. Una adecuada anamnesis, junto con estudio por imagen, evita procedimientos innecesarios y permite incluir esta entidad en el diagnóstico diferencial del dolor cervical agudo.

The calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) or hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal deposition disease can manifest in any joint and when it comprises the cervical spine can lead to pain. Crowned dens syndrome is a rare clinical condition that is featured by crown-like calcification of ligaments around the odontoid process. We describe the case of a 70-year-old man with cervical pain, headache and fever for over a week in whom a neurological condition was suspected. A CT scan revealed lentiform calcifications of the transverse ligament of the atlas. Treatment with steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory improve the symptoms. A proper clinical history and imaging studies avoid unnecessary procedures and can let this entity to be included as a differential diagnosis in acute cervical pain.

Age-Related Prevalence of Periodontoid Calcification and Its Associations with Acute Cervical Pain

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of periodontoid calcification and its associations with acute cervical pain. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease is a common rheumatological disorder that occurs especially in elderly patients. Although CPPD crystals induce acute arthritis, these crystals are not usually symptomatic. Calcification surrounding the odontoid process (periodontoid calcification) has been reported to induce inflammation, resulting in acute neck pain. This disease is called crowned dens syndrome. Whether calcification induces inflammation or whether the crystals are symptomatic remains unclear. METHODS: The prevalence of periodontoid calcification at the atlas transverse ligament was examined by computed tomography of the upper cervical spine in patients suspected of brain disease but no cervical pain (control group, n=296), patients with pseudogout of the peripheral joints but no cervical pain (arthritis group, n=41), and patients with acute neck pain (neck pain group, n=22). Next, the correlation between the prevalence of periodontoid calcification and symptoms was analyzed. RESULTS: In the control group, 40 patients (13.5%) showed periodontoid calcification with no significant difference in the prevalence with gender. The prevalence of calcification increased significantly with age (p=0.002). In the arthritis group, 26 patients (63.4%) reported periodontoid calcification. In the neck pain group, 14 patients (63.6%) reported periodontoid calcification. Multiple logistic regression analysis by age and group revealed that higher age, inclusion in the arthritis group, and inclusion in the neck pain group significantly affected the prevalence of calcification. CONCLUSIONS: Our results cumulatively suggest that periodontoid calcification is an aging-related reaction and that calcification per se does not always cause neck pain. Periodontoid calcification was observed more frequently in patients with pseudogout of the peripheral joints and in those with acute neck pain than in asymptomatic control patients.

Revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre el tratamiento con colchicina en pacientes adultos con osteoartritis de rodilla / Colchicine treatment in adult patients with knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review of the literature

Resumen Contexto: En la práctica clínica de muchos reumatólogos y en algunos ensayos clínicos se ha usado colchicina en pacientes con osteoartritis primaria. A pesar de ello, su papel en el tratamiento de la misma no está claro y las guías no establecen recomendaciones al respecto. Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad del tratamiento con colchicina en pacientes adultos con osteoartritis de rodilla, tanto primaria como asociada al depósito de cristales de pirofosfato cálcico. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda estructurada de la literatura utilizando las bases de datos Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register y LILACS. Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos controlados, aleatorizados, en donde se haya usado colchicina como intervención en pacientes adultos con osteoartritis de rodilla, primaria o relacionada con pirofosfato de calcio. Resultados: Se incluyeron 5 ensayos clínicos controlados. Se observó una tendencia común en todos los estimados puntuales de los artículos a favorecer el uso de la colchicina para la mejoría del dolor y de la funcionalidad. Se observó una mayor tendencia de efectos adversos gastrointestinales con el uso de la colchicina, sin embargo, el efecto no fue estadísticamente significativo en los estudios individuales. Ninguno de los estudios evaluó calidad de vida. Conclusiones: La colchicina parece ser una alternativa eficaz y segura para el tratamiento de pacientes adultos con osteoartritis de rodilla, tanto primaria como asociada al depósito de cristales de pirofosfato de calcio. Su uso reduce el dolor y mejora la funcionalidad, aunque puede producir síntomas gastrointestinales en algunos pacientes.

Abstract Background: Colchicine is often used in patients with osteoarthritis in which calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease is suspected. Colchicine has also been used by many rheumatologists in clinical practice, and in some trials, on patients with primary osteoarthritis (apparently unrelated to calcium pyrophosphate). However, its role in the treatment of primary osteoarthritis is not clear, and international guidelines have not established recommendations. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine for the treatment of adult patients with primary knee osteoarthritis as well as the form associated with calcium pyrophosphate. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and LILACS databases. Randomised controlled trials were included in which colchicine was used as intervention in patients with primary or pyrophosphate calcium-associated knee osteoarthritis. Results: The study included 5 randomised controlled trials, all of which showed a common trend in all estimated points of the joint, favouring the use of colchicine for improvement in pain and functionality. Although the effect was not statistically significant in individual studies, there was a greater tendency of gastrointestinal adverse effects with the use of colchicine. None of the studies assessed quality of life. Conclusions: Colchicine appears to be an effective and safe alternative for treatment of adult patients with knee osteoarthritis, either primary or associated with the deposit of calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Its use reduces pain and improves functionality, but it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients.

A case of old female with swollen and pain of multiple joints / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective By analyzing the clinical and radiographic manifestations of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPDD) to improve the recognization of the disease.Methods Clinical features,diagnosis and treatment of an old female patient with CPDD was reported with literature review.Results An old female patient presented with swollen and pain on the right knee without obvious causes eight years ago,which was characterized by slightly reddness of joint surface,warm of local skin.Thcn she gradually developed swollen and pain in left knee,right ankle,both wrists,bilateral meta-carpophalangeal (MCPJ) and right elbow joints with few joint symptoms and the joints swollen and pain could relieved spontaneouslyitself in about one week.X-ray showed the thin strip of cartilage calcifications in wrist triangular fibrocartilage disc,meniscus of knee and the pubic symphysis were parallel to the surface of cartilage.Examination of microscopy with refractive filter demonstrated that short rod crystals refraction in joint fluid.CPDD was diagnosed and treated with flushing of joint cavity and injections of betamethasone as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug orally.Symptoms relieved after therapy.Conclusion Understanding the disease characteristics of CPDD is beneficial to for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Condrocalcinosis axial: reporte de un caso / Axial chondrocalcinosis: a case report

La artropatía por pirofosfato de calcio (CPPD) se caracteriza por la acumulación de cristales de pirofosfato de calcio en el tejido articular y periarticular. La localización más frecuente son rodillas, muñecas y pelvis. Sin embargo, también existen reportes aislados de compromiso de columna. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 52 años, con antecedentes de doble prótesis de caderas por coxartrosis diagnosticada a los 20 años de edad. Es evaluado en reumatología en febrero de 2017, por cuadro de poliartralgias de grandes articula-ciones, asociada a dolor de columna cervical, dorsal y lumbar. Se realizan exámenes imagenológicos que demuestran la presencia de calcificaciones interdiscales con sobrecrecimiento óseo, secundario a artrosis severa y discreta este-nosis raquídea solo en segmentos lumbares bajos.

The Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease is characterised by the deposition of crystals of CPPD in the articular as well as in periarticular structures. The most frequent location are knees, wrist and pelvis. However, also there are iso-lated cases involving the spine. It presents the case of a 52 years male patient, with history of bone arthrosis dou-ble hips prosthesis by bone arthrosis diagnosed 30 years ago. He is evaluated in feb-ruary 2017 by pain of large joints associated cervical spine pain dorsal and lumbar. Imagenological tests are prerfomed and confirms the presence of intervertebral discs calcifications and bone overgrowth secundary to severe osteoarthrosis and spinal ste-nosis in lower lumbar segments.

A Case of Acute Calcium Pyrophosphate Crystal Arthritis in the Lumbar Facet Joint

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease most commonly presents with acute arthritis of the peripheral joints. Infrequently, a mass effect of this disease can cause axial symptoms, such as spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, or myelopathy. Herein, we report on the first Korean case of acute arthritis in the lumbar facet joint due to calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease. A 73-year-old female presented with acute fever, severe lumbago, and knee arthralgia, 11 days after partial parathyroidectomy. Plain radiographs showed multiple chondrocalcinosis, while a bone scan, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging showed right L5-S1 facet arthritis. In synovial fluid from the facet and knee joints, positively birefringent calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals were observed under polarized light microscopy. Under the diagnosis of acute calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal arthritis (formerly known as 'pseudogout') in the facet joint, an intra-articular triamcinolone injection was administered, which resulted in dramatic improvement of the symptoms within 24 hours.

Gitelman's Syndrome Associated with Chondrocalcinosis

Gitelman's syndrome (GS), a hereditary disease characterized by hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalciuria, is a salt-losing renal tubulopathy. Herein, we describe a case of a 28-year-old woman diagnosed with atypical GS accompanying chondrocalcinosis. One year ago, she presented with vomiting, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, and hypocalciuria, and was tested by diuretic challenge test. As a result, she was diagnosed with atypical GS with normomagnesemia and treated with spironolactone and potassium supplementation. Meanwhile, acute arthritis of the right 1st metatarsophalangeal joint occurred. On the radiographies of the knees, chondrocalcinosis was observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in Korea of GS with chondrocalcinosis. Antialdosterone therapy or magnesium supplementation is effective in preventing the progression of chondrocalcinosis; thus, early diagnosis and treatment of GS are important.

Enfermedad por depósito de cristales de pirofosfato de calcio como ejemplo de forma de manifestación de la enfermedad en el adulto mayor / Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease as an example of illness presentation in the elderly

Illness presentation in the elderly may be entirely non-specific, with fatigue, loss of function or the presence of geriatric syndromes. We report a 90 years old male consulting in the emergency room for delirium that persisted throughout hospitalization without finding a cause. During the course of hospitalization mild fever appeared and a left knee swelling became apparent. A synovial fluid aspiration showed a leukocyte count of 360 per field with 60% polymorphonuclear cells. The culture was negative. With a presumptive diagnosis of pseudogout, cochicine and celecoxib were started with remission of the confusional state. The patient was discharged 13 days after admission in good conditions.

Ultrasonographic Assessment in Crystal-induced Arthritis / 대한내과학회지

The latest recommendations for the diagnosis and management of crystal-induced arthritis, such as gout and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease, recognize the diagnostic potential of musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MSUS). MSUS allows rapid, highly sensitive, non-invasive detection of microcrystal aggregates in multiple anatomic areas, and can be used as a safe, reliable guide for aspiration of articular and periarticular specimens suitable for microscopic analysis. MSUS can also be used to monitor disease after treatment. Ultrasonographic differentiation between gout and CPPD deposition disease is based on the characteristics of crystal aggregates and their preferential localization in different anatomical areas. This rapid assessment may profoundly affect the clinical process, avoiding expensive, time-consuming diagnostic procedures. This article reviews the current status of and recent advances in MSUS imaging in crystal-induced arthritis.

Pseudogout of the Knee after Intraarticular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid / 대한정형외과학회잡지

An 82-year-old woman underwent surgery for the left intertrochanteric fracture. However, during hospitalization, she complained of pain on the right knee. Radiographs showed moderately degenerative arthritis and intrameniscal calcification. Hyaluronic acid was administered by intraarticular injection. After injection, arthritic symptoms improved. Five days after injection, she complained of severe pain, swelling, and heating sensation in the right knee with chills and fever. Blood test showed elevated white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein. WBC in synovial fluid increased to 47,250/mm3. Antimicrobial therapy was administered under the impression of acute pyogenic arthritis by adverse reaction of hyaluronic acid injection. Polarization microscope showed calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. Synovial fluid culture was negative. Finally, she was diagnosed as pseudogout. The symptoms improved within one week. To our knowledge, there has been no report of pseudogout following intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid in Korea. Therefore, we report this case with a review of the literature.

Idiopathic Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate (CPPD) Crystal Deposition Disease in a Young Female Patient : A Case Report

PURPOSE: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease(CPPD) is a disease of the elderly and extremely rare in young individuals. If young people develop CPPD crystal deposition disease, it may be associated with metabolic diseases, such as hemochromatosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypophosphatasia, hypomagnesemia, Wilson's disease, hypothyroidism, and gout. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Therefore, in young-onset CPPD crystal deposition disease, an investigation of any predisposing metabolic conditions is warranted. CONCLUSION: We report a case of a young female patient who presented with idiopathic CPPD crystal deposition disease at 25 years of age.

Idiopathic Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate (CPPD) Crystal Deposition Disease in a Young Male Patient: A Case Report

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease is a disease of the elderly and extremely rare in young individuals. If young people develop CPPD crystal deposition disease, it may be associated with metabolic diseases such as hemochromatosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypophosphatasia, hypomagnesemia, Wilson's disease, hypothyroidism, gout, acromegaly, and X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. Therefore, in young-onset polyarticular CPPD crystal deposition disease, investigation for predisposing metabolic conditions is warranted. We report a case of a young male patient with idiopathic CPPD crystal deposition disease, who did not have any evidences of metabolic diseases after thorough evaluations. As far as we know, this is the first report of a young male patient presented with idiopathic CPPD crystal deposition disease.