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Rofo 2025; 197(01): 8-12
DOI: 10.1055/a-2302-4795
Pictorial Essay

Crystal Disease of the wrist and hand: a quick guide to imaging diagnosis

Kristallkrankheit des Handgelenks und der Hand: eine Kurzanleitung zur bildgebenden Diagnose
Kris Mertens 
1   Radiology, KU Leuven Hospital, Leuven, Belgium (Ringgold ID: RIN60182)
,
Filip Maria Vanhoenacker 
2   Radiology, University Antwerp and Gent, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem (Antwerp), Belgium
3   Radiology, AZ Sint-Maarten Mechelen, Belgium
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Introduction

Crystal disease represents a group of disorders involving the joints and/or peri-articular structures due to crystal deposition, which shares imaging features of either degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) and joint and/or soft tissue inflammation.

The “Big Three” crystal diseases are gout, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition (CPPD) disease, Basic Calcium Phosphate Deposition Disease (BCPDD).

The clinical presentation is often variable and may mimic other articular or peri-articular diseases.

Crystal disease may involve different locations of the appendicular and the axial musculoskeletal system.

This pictorial review will particularly focus on imaging features of gout, CPPD and BCPDD involving the wrist and hand.



Publication History

Received: 02 April 2024

Accepted: 09 April 2024

Article published online:
13 May 2024

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