Histologic localization of lipid in the articular tissues in calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease.

We demonstrated the histologic localization of lipid in the articular cartilage, meniscus, and synovium in calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease, by staining with Sudan III. Almost all the sites of tophus-like deposits of CPPD crystals and the degenerated matrix containing low concentrations of scattered CPPD crystals stained strongly with Sudan III. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated round or oval lipid droplets in more than half of the chondrocytes around the crystals in each of these tissues. Small lipid droplets were also seen on or around the crystals. These findings suggest that lipids are abundant at the site of CPPD crystal deposition and may be involved in CPPD crystal formation.