Elbow calcific tendinosis initially detected by ultrasonography: a case report

Calcific tendinosis is a common condition caused by the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals within the tendons that can impact any tendinous insertion. In this situation, ultrasound (US) may be a viable imaging modality in addition to radiography.

A 56-year-old Iranian male presented with left elbow pain. US evaluation at the lump site revealed a subcutaneous lipoma. Ultrasonography showed a thickened and diffusely heterogeneously hypoechoic pronator teres tendon. These characteristics were consistent with the diagnosis of calcific tendinosis.

Radiography is the most common and practical imaging modality for calcific tendinosis diagnosis. Despite this, the real-time nature of ultrasonography makes it both diagnostic and therapeutic in this condition. Other conditions, such as lipoma, may interfere with the proper diagnosis of calcific tendinosis.