G Yosipovitch1, Z Yosipovitch. 1. Department of Internal Medicine B, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and radiological features of acute calcific periarthritis (ACP) of the hand and elbow in women and to review the literature. METHODS: A retrospective study of ACP of the hand and elbow was conducted in 10 women, and the literature since 1970 reviewed, using Medline data. RESULTS: Ten women fulfilled the criteria of a single focus ACP. Mean age was 36.5 years (range 25-53). X-ray diffraction in 3 patients who underwent aspiration biopsy showed a pattern of calcium hydroxyapatite. The clinical course was short and self-limited. Most cases mimicked septic conditions and were initially misdiagnosed. All patients demonstrated gradual resolution of calcific deposits after 1-3 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that calcific tendinitis of the hand and elbow is a self-limiting disease affecting mainly pre or perimenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and radiological features of acute calcific periarthritis (ACP) of the hand and elbow in women and to review the literature. METHODS: A retrospective study of ACP of the hand and elbow was conducted in 10 women, and the literature since 1970 reviewed, using Medline data. RESULTS: Ten women fulfilled the criteria of a single focus ACP. Mean age was 36.5 years (range 25-53). X-ray diffraction in 3 patients who underwent aspiration biopsy showed a pattern of calcium hydroxyapatite. The clinical course was short and self-limited. Most cases mimicked septic conditions and were initially misdiagnosed. All patients demonstrated gradual resolution of calcific deposits after 1-3 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that calcific tendinitis of the hand and elbow is a self-limiting disease affecting mainly pre or perimenopausal women.