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Saran S, Babhulkar JA, Gupta H, Chari B. Imaging of calcific tendinopathy: natural history, migration patterns, pitfalls, and management: a review. Br J Radiol 2024; 97:1099-1111. [PMID: 38346707 PMCID: PMC11135804 DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcific tendinopathy is characterized by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in various tendons of the body. Terms like calcium tendinitis, tendinosis, and tendinopathy are used interchangeably. Calcific tendinopathy is a common and well-documented ailment in the literature. Although common, the natural history, aetiology, and progression of calcific tendinitis are poorly understood. The treatment options include conservative and interventional measures. However, these measures cannot be applied as a blanket and are often tailored depending on the stage/phase of the disease. Out of the recognized stages of the disease, the resorptive stage causes the utmost symptoms when the calcium is rather soft and unstable. During this stage, the calcium may migrate beyond expected resorption and get deposited in the adjacent tissues contiguous with the calcium focus. The common destinations include bursal migration, intraosseous migration, muscular migration, and other less common migration sites. Such atypical presentations can lead to dilemmas in the diagnosis, prolongation of the diagnostic pathway, unwarranted apprehension, and treatment delay. Radiologists' role in this situation is to correctly recognize the imaging findings of atypical presentations of calcific tendinopathy and prevent unnecessary diagnostic and interventional studies. In this review article, we describe the pathogenic pathway and natural history of calcific tendinopathy from a radiologist's perspective and discuss different migratory patterns of calcium in calcific tendinopathy not only around the shoulder but also in other areas of the body on different imaging modalities. We also show a few examples of mimics and pitfalls on imaging. Finally, we discuss the appropriate management option of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Saran
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, AIIMS, Rishikesh, 249203, India
| | - Joban Ashish Babhulkar
- Department of Radiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Star Imaging and Research Centre, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune, 411001, India
| | - Harun Gupta
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, LS9 7TF, United Kingdom
| | - Basavaraj Chari
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom
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Delbello F, Spinnato P, Aparisi Gomez MP. Calcific Tendinopathy Atypically Located Outside the Rotator Cuff: A Systematic Review. Curr Med Imaging 2024; 20:e100423215585. [PMID: 37038296 DOI: 10.2174/1573405620666230410091749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Calcific tendinopathy is a common cause of painful shoulder easily identified with ultrasound or conventional radiography. Although the rotator cuff is by far the most common location of the disease and diagnostic or treatment strategies are well known in clinical practice, a lack of awareness characterizes the assessment of the other sites affected by this condition; consequently, the risk of underestimating the prevalence of atypical non-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy is high. This may lead to expensive or invasive diagnostic exams and/or inappropriate treatment, whereas the condition is usually self-limited. The present study aims at analysing the frequency of calcific tendinitis in uncommon sites, in order to fill a gap in knowledge and awareness regarding non-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, thus avoiding improper clinical choices and helping to identify this condition. METHODS This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. We performed a search on Pubmed and Scopus databases concerning atypically sited extra-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy published since 1950. RESULTS The research found a total of 267 articles and 793 non-rotator cuff cases of calcific tendinopathy registered. The spine (213 – 26.86%), foot and ankle (191 – 23.95%), and hip (175 – 22.06%) appeared to be the most common sites of calcific tendinopathy after the rotator cuff, whereas the longus colli C1-C2 (204 – 25.72%), Achilles (173 – 21.81%), and rectus femori (61 – 7.69%) were the most commonly affected tendons. CONCLUSION A better awareness of this condition in several different sites of the body than the rotator cuff could avoid unnecessary choices both in assessment and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Delbello
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gervasutta Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
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Bernier D, Marteau E, Roulet S, Antar H, Triki A, Laulan J, Bacle G. Hydroxyapatite deposits of the hand and wrist: a diagnosis not to be ignored. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:408. [PMID: 34381552 PMCID: PMC8325461 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.408.29253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease (HADD) of the hand and wrist is rare but can cause acute inflammatory syndromes that mimic infectious arthritis. These symptoms, which rapidly resolve with systemic anti-inflammatory drugs, are a source of diagnostic errors and inappropriate treatment. It is of crucial importance to make the diagnosis in order to avoid iatrogenic surgical management. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and radiographic signs and the key features on which diagnosis depends. Treatment effectiveness and the course of the disease were also examined. Between 1992 and 2008, 12 patients consulted for an isolated acute local inflammatory syndrome of the hand or wrist, which was accompanied by a unique radiographic picture of calcific density. All patients were reassessed clinically and radiographically with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. All patients had presented with acute local inflammatory syndromes. Nine patients had edema and 8 had swelling and erythema. No patient had fever. The course was favorable in 11 patients and one patient required surgery. No patient had a recurrence at the mean final follow-up of 90 ± 64 months. The symptoms associated with hydroxyapatite crystal deposits suggest septic arthritis with acute joint inflammation. The radiological appearance is characteristic and corrects the diagnosis. Oral anti-inflammatory treatment gives more rapid spontaneous improvement, with complete and long-lasting resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bernier
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery Unit, Trousseau University Hospital, Medical University François Rabelais of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Emilie Marteau
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery Unit, Trousseau University Hospital, Medical University François Rabelais of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Steven Roulet
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery Unit, Trousseau University Hospital, Medical University François Rabelais of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Hèdi Antar
- Department of Orthopedic Trauma and Burns Center Ben Arous, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ameur Triki
- Mohamed Kassab Institute of Orthopedics, La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jacky Laulan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery Unit, Trousseau University Hospital, Medical University François Rabelais of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Guillaume Bacle
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery Unit, Trousseau University Hospital, Medical University François Rabelais of Tours, Tours, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), iBrain, Medical University François Rabelais of Tours, Tours, France
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Phan M, Birkemeier K, George R, Garza-Gongora R, Crisp M, Trotter B, Haghshenas V. Calcific tendonitis of the flexor pollicis longus tendon at the thumb interphalangeal joint in childhood. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 2020; 34:309-311. [PMID: 33678974 DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2020.1834805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In rare instances, calcific tendonitis may manifest in the pediatric population as inflammatory calcium hydroxyapatite deposition. To our knowledge, there have been no previous case reports involving the flexor pollicis longus tendon at the thumb interphalangeal joint. We present a 9-year-old boy with a painful mass at the right thumb interphalangeal joint. Initial radiographs revealed a 7-mm ovoid calcific mass along the volar soft tissues of the thumb interphalangeal joint. Subsequent ultrasound and magnetic resonance findings further confirmed calcification with surrounding edema. Because the pain was limiting the patient's school activities, his family elected for excisional biopsy of the calcific mass. Pathology ultimately revealed prominent dystrophic calcifications with surrounding granulomatous inflammation, consistent with calcific tendonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Phan
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Krista Birkemeier
- Department of Radiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center, Temple, Texas
| | - Reshma George
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ricardo Garza-Gongora
- Department of Radiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center, Temple, Texas
| | - Matthew Crisp
- Department of Radiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center, Temple, Texas
| | - Bradley Trotter
- Department of Radiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center, Temple, Texas
| | - Varan Haghshenas
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas
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Draghi F, Cocco G, Lomoro P, Bortolotto C, Schiavone C. Non-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy: ultrasonographic diagnosis and treatment. J Ultrasound 2020; 23:301-315. [PMID: 31197633 PMCID: PMC7441123 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-019-00393-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific tendinopathy is a condition that is related to the deposition of calcium, mostly hydroxyapatite crystals, within the tendons. The shoulder and the hip are commonly affected joints, but calcific tendinopathy may occur in any tendon of the body. While there is an extensive literature on the ultrasound diagnosis of calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder, there are only sporadic reports on other sites. This review combines the experience of our centers and a thorough analysis of the literature from the last 45 years (1972-2017) in order to highlight the localizations beyond the rotator cuff, their ultrasound characteristics and therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Draghi
- Radiology Institute, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Viale Camillo Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulio Cocco
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti G d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pascal Lomoro
- Radiology Institute, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Viale Camillo Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Radiology Institute, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, University of Pavia, Viale Camillo Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Cosima Schiavone
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti G d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcific tendinitis is characterized by calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition within tendons and is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain in adults. Its clinical manifestations may be acute, chronic, or asymptomatic. Acute calcific tendinitis is self-resolving condition that is rarely reported in the pediatric population and may be overlooked for more common processes, leading to unnecessary treatment. METHODS A chart reivew was performed of a single case of acute calcific tendonitis of the index finger in a child. RESULTS We describe a case of calcific tendinitis of the index finger in a 9-year-old boy who was referred to us for a second opinion after surgical exploration of an acutely inflamed digit was recommended based on his initial presentation. The calcifications and symptoms resolved over time without operative management. CONCLUSIONS Although rare in children, acute calcific tendinitis can present similar to an infection. However, appropriate managment is non-operative as the symptoms and radiographic findings resolve over time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeffrey H. Kozlow
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Jeffrey H. Kozlow, Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, University of Michigan, 2130 Taubman Center, SPC 5340, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Beckmann NM. Calcium Apatite Deposition Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. Radiol Res Pract 2016; 2016:4801474. [PMID: 28042481 PMCID: PMC5155096 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4801474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium apatite deposition disease (CADD) is a common entity characterized by deposition of calcium apatite crystals within and around connective tissues, usually in a periarticular location. CADD most frequently involves the rotator cuff. However, it can theoretically occur in almost any location in the musculoskeletal system, and many different locations of CADD have been described. When CADD presents in an unexpected location it can pose a diagnostic challenge, particularly when associated with pain or swelling, and can be confused with other pathologic processes, such as infection or malignancy. However, CADD has typical imaging characteristics that usually allows for a correct diagnosis to be made without additional imaging or laboratory workup, even when presenting in unusual locations. This is a review of the common and uncommon presentations of CADD in the appendicular and axial skeleton as well as an updated review of pathophysiology of CADD and current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M. Beckmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, UT Health, Houston, TX, USA
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