Related Experiment Videos
Heterotopic ossification presenting as acute arthritis
1Department of Medicine, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Heterotopic ossification can cause acute arthritis in critically ill patients. This condition, characterized by bone formation in soft tissues, should be considered in patients with severe respiratory distress syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Orthopedics
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acute myeloblastic leukemia patients are susceptible to various complications.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requires intensive ventilation and can lead to secondary health issues.
Observation:
- A patient in remission for acute myeloblastic leukemia developed painful, swollen knees post-ARDS ventilation.
- Initial synovial fluid analysis and knee radiographs were inconclusive for the cause of arthritis.
Findings:
- Delayed radiographs revealed periarticular calcification, indicating heterotopic ossification.
- Heterotopic ossification is the abnormal formation of bone in non-skeletal tissues.
Implications:
- Heterotopic ossification is a potential complication in critically ill patients, particularly those with ARDS.
- Clinicians should consider heterotopic ossification in the differential diagnosis of acute arthritis in intensive care settings.