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Lack of association between hypothyroidism and chondrocalcinosis
G R Komatireddy1, M H Ellman, N L Brown
1Department of Medicine, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60616.
Insights
Hypothyroidism does not increase the risk of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD), indicated by chondrocalcinosis. Hypothyroid patients showed similar rates of CPPD and osteoarthritis compared to euthyroid individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
Background:
- The link between hypothyroidism and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD) remains debated.
- Chondrocalcinosis is a key radiographic sign of CPPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of chondrocalcinosis in hypothyroid patients.
- To compare the prevalence of CPPD and osteoarthritis in hypothyroid versus euthyroid individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of anteroposterior knee roentgenograms.
- Study included 49 hypothyroid patients and 31 age- and sex-matched euthyroid controls, all over 40.
- Radiographs were assessed for chondrocalcinosis and osteoarthritis.
Main Results:
- Chondrocalcinosis was detected in only 2 hypothyroid patients and 1 euthyroid control.
- No significant difference in chondrocalcinosis prevalence was found between the groups.
- Osteoarthritis prevalence and severity were similar, but hypothyroid patients showed more periarticular osteopenia.
Conclusions:
- Hypothyroidism is not associated with an increased prevalence of chondrocalcinosis or CPPD.
- Hypothyroid patients may exhibit higher rates of periarticular osteopenia.
- Further research is needed to clarify the association between hypothyroidism and bone density changes.
Abstract:
The association between hypothyroidism and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD) is controversial. We studied the prevalence of chondrocalcinosis, the roentgenographic marker of CPPD by obtaining anteroposterior knee roentgenograms in 49 hypothyroid patients over the age of 40 years, and compared them with knee roentgenograms in 31 euthyroid patients matched for age and sex. Only 2 hypothyroid patients and one euthyroid control had knee chondrocalcinosis. Our results indicate that hypothyroid patients have no greater prevalence of chondrocalcinosis compared to euthyroid subjects. There are also no difference in the degree and prevalence of osteoarthritis between the 2 groups, although hypothyroid patients may have a higher prevalence of periarticular osteopenia.