Calcification of joints and arteries

Last revised by Magdalena Chmiel-Nowak on 5 Apr 2021

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Chmiel-Nowak M, Calcification of joints and arteries. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 20 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-88366

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-88366

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/88366

rID:

88366

Article created:

5 Apr 2021, Magdalena Chmiel-Nowak

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Magdalena Chmiel-Nowak had no recorded disclosures.

View Magdalena Chmiel-Nowak's current disclosures

Last revised:

5 Apr 2021, Magdalena Chmiel-Nowak

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Magdalena Chmiel-Nowak had no recorded disclosures.

View Magdalena Chmiel-Nowak's current disclosures

Revisions:

1 time, by 1 contributor - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Musculoskeletal, Vascular

Tags:

cases

Synonyms:

CALJA
Adult-onset calcification of joints and arteries

Calcification of joints and arteries (CALJA) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation of the NT5E gene. It is characterized by extensive calcifications in the limb arteries and in the joints of the hands and feet.

The symptoms are associated with the location of the calcifications. Arterial calcifications cause narrowing of the vessels and ischemic symptoms, ranging from paresthesias, pain, and intermittent claudication to occlusion (usually with extensive collateral circulation). The ankle-brachial index is decreased in these patients.

Calcifications of the joints may cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Pathology

The disorder is caused by a mutation of the NT5E gene, which encodes enzyme CD73, responsible for converting AMP to adenosine and helping to inhibit the formation of tissue calcifications.

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph

X-rays show extensive calcifications of the limb arteries, with areas of aneurysmatic dilatation. Aorta, carotid, and coronary arteries are spared.

Juxta- and periarticular calcifications are present, most often in the joints of the hands and feet.

CT/CT angiography

CT confirms the presence of calcifications. CTA is used to calculate the degree of arterial narrowing.

Treatment and prognosis

Progressive vessel calcification may lead to limb ischemia and amputation. Vessel occlusion may require arterial bypass surgery.

Differential diagnosis

The appearance of the joints may resemble other entities associated with periarticular soft-tissue calcifications. The key to the diagnosis is the characteristic appearance of arteries, which should prompt genetic testing.

History

The combination of arterial and periarticular calcifications was first described by Magnus-Levy in 1914. The supposition of the hereditary nature of the condition was made by Sharp in 1954 ³. In 2011, the mutation causing CALJA have been identified by St. Hilaire et al.².