Acute calcific periarthritis of the hand and elbows in women. A study and review of the literature

Objective. To study the clinical and radiological features of acute calcific periarthritis (ACP) of the hand and elbow in women and to review the literature. Methods. A retrospective study of ACP of the hand and elbow was conducted in 10 women, and the literature since 1970 reviewed, using Medline data. Results. Ten women fulfilled the criteria of a single focus ACP. Mean age was 36.5 years (range 25-53). X-ray diffraction in 3 patients who underwent aspiration biopsy showed a pattern of calcium hydroxyapatite. The clinical course was short and self-limited. Most cases mimicked septic conditions and were initially misdiagnosed. All patients demonstrated gradual resolution of calcific deposits after 1-3 weeks. Conclusions. We conclude that calcific tendinitis of the hand and elbow is a self-limiting disease affecting mainly pre or perimenopausal women.