Calcific Periarthritis of Metacarpophalangeal Joint Secondary to Ruptured Calcific Dorsal Bursitis – A Case Report

Acute calcific periarthritis (ACP) is a painful monoarticular disease commonly involving the shoulder joint, characterized by deposits of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals around joints. Clinical mimics include septic arthritis, gout, and pseudogout. It is a rare disease of hand and only few cases have been reported. We describe the imaging findings of ACP of metacarpophalangeal joint secondary to ruptured calcific dorsal bursitis, in a 30-year-old woman who presented with complaints of local pain and swelling of the left fourth finger. Accurate diagnosis of this condition is essential to avoid unnecessary investigations, procedures, and patient anxiety.

Acute calcific periarthritis secondary to calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition in the wrist: a case report

ABSTRACT Acute calcific periarthritis (ACP) is an unusual cause of monoarticular pain characterised by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite in the peri-articular and intra-articular tissues. Although the most commonly affected joint is the shoulder, other joints may be involved, including the wrist. This case report describes a 57-year-old female presenting with wrist pain and swelling associated with amorphous calcification overlying the lunate. The patient improved with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and splinting. Clinician awareness of the clinical presentation and radiographic features of ACP is important to reduce unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures such as joint aspiration.

Acute Calcific Periarthritis of the Hand: A Case Report in an Active Duty Soldier

Acute calcific periarthritis of the hand is a condition that can easily be misdiagnosed resulting in unnecessary diagnostic studies and treatment. The condition is thought to be benign with a self-resolving course. The author presents a case of an active duty 29-year-old male who presented to a military emergency department with severe atraumatic hand pain developing overnight with initial concern for flexor tenosynovitis. Following orthopedic consultation, he was determined to have acute calcific periarthritis of the small finger (metacarpophalangeal) MCP joint with resolution over approximately 3 weeks without recurrence over a 5-month period. This case report reviews the natural history of acute calcific deposits of the hand and its correct identification through clinical exam and plain radiographs to avoid unnecessary diagnostic testing and invasive surgical interventions.