IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Knee calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease

Case contributed by Charlie Chia-Tsong Hsu
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Chronic knee pain. Medical history of peripheral vascular disease and chronic renal failure.

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Male

Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the left knee demonstrate meniscal calcification (blue arrows) and femoral hyaline cartilage calcification (not labeled). There is also calcification of the medial collateral ligament, quadriceps and patella tendons (yellow arrows). A Pellegrini-Stieda osteophyte is noted in the medial femoral epicondyle. 

Advanced patellofemoral joint narrowing is accompanied by subchondral bone sclerosis and marginal osteophytes formation. 

The classic scalloped or "saucerised" remodeling of the ventral metadiaphysis of the distal femur is seen. This is possibly the result of abutment of the patella against the distal femur in knee extension.

Background of extensive vascular calcifications. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.