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[Liquid lipid crystals-induced arthritis].

D van Linthoudt1

  • 1Service de rhumatologie, Département de médecine Hôpital neuchâtelois, 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds. daniel.vanlinthoudt@ne.ch

Revue Medicale Suisse
|December 9, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Liquid lipid crystals can cause arthritis, identified by their unique Maltese cross shape in synovial fluid. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, often with anti-inflammatory drugs, lead to good outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Crystallography
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Arthritis is frequently caused by crystals found in synovial fluid, commonly monosodium urate, calcium pyrophosphate, or apatite.
  • Liquid lipid crystals are a less common cause of arthritis, characterized by spherical shapes and Maltese cross appearances under microscopy.

Observation:

  • This case report details a 50-year-old woman with right knee hemarthrosis presenting with arthritis.
  • Microscopic examination of synovial fluid revealed numerous liquid lipid crystals both intracellularly and extracellularly.

Findings:

  • Liquid lipid crystals exhibit a spherical morphology with a Maltese cross appearance and positive birefringence.
  • In some instances, these crystals are the sole cause of arthropathy, appearing numerous within and outside leukocytes.

Implications:

  • Recognizing liquid lipid crystal-induced arthritis is crucial for appropriate management.
  • Treatment typically involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or local steroid infiltration after ruling out infection, leading to favorable prognoses.

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