Other Crystal Deposit Diseases
Related Links:From WebHealth
Other Crystal Deposit Diseases
There are a number of more rare crystal deposit diseases, which I will briefly mention here:
Basic calcium phosphate or BCP (formerly "calcium apatite") : This form of crystal deposit disease occurs in a number of rheumatic conditions including scleroderma and dermatomyositis. Under the microscope it looks like snowball like clumps. (Ref. 1).
A severe form of degenerative shoulder arthritis with BCP deposits is known under the name of Milwaukee shoulder. In this condition of elderly women the fibrous rotator cuff is damaged through degeneration and BCP deposits to the point that the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is dislocated upwards into the roof of the shoulder.
These cases can be diagnosed because of a characteristic appearance on X-rays where cloudlike opacities show up surrounding a joint. BCP is very irritating and prostaglandins are released, which in turn trigger white blood cells to release damaging proteases that destroy joints and cartilage. Colchicine and NSAIDs help to a certain extent.
Cholesterol crystals: Inflammatory changes in bursae and degenerative joints can release cholesterol from inflammatory cells that are then deposited in these inflamed structures and irritate the tissues even more. Treatment is directed at controlling the original inflammatory condition.
Calcium oxalate crystals: Patients with kidney damage who are on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis often get acute painful attacks similar to gout. X-rays look similar to pseudogout and BCP crystal deposit disease. These crystals, which under the polarized light microscope have a characteristic appearance of two glued together pyramids, often contained in the white blood cells of inflamed areas, can be found in joints, skin and even blood vessel walls.
Depending on what crystals are found, the treatment is modified by the treating physician to suit the clinical presentation.
| Home page | Arthritis | Crystal arthritis |
References:
1. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 55.
2. ABC of rheumatology, second edition, edited by Michael L. Snaith , M.D., BMJ Books, 1999.
3. Goldman: Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 21st ed.(©2000)W.B.Saunders
4. Ferri: Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment, 2004 ed., Copyright © 2004 Mosby, Inc.
5. Rakel: Conn's Current Therapy 2004, 56th ed., Copyright © 2004 Elsevier
