Ultrasound Findings in Symptomatic HADD of the Hand and Wrist. A Case Series of 37 Patients
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Published on: January 11, 2019
Marco Becciolini1,2, Riccardo Picasso3, Antonio Corvino4
1Misericordia di Pistoia, Pistoia, Italy.
Insights
Ultrasound (US) effectively diagnoses symptomatic hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD) in the hand and wrist. This imaging technique aids in identifying calcifications and monitoring symptom resolution.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD) is a common cause of joint pain.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of ultrasound (US) in diagnosing symptomatic hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD) of the hand and wrist.
- To present findings from 37 diagnosed cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 37 cases from two institutions.
- Keyword searches for "HADD hand/wrist" and "calcium deposit hand/wrist".
- Standardized US examinations including B-mode and Doppler imaging.
Main Results:
- 37 patients diagnosed with HADD, predominantly women (81%) with a mean age of 50.
- Calcifications often presented as resorptive (type III).
- 16 patients had follow-up data, showing partial to complete symptom resolution.
Conclusions:
- US is a valuable tool for diagnosing hand and wrist HADD, particularly with characteristic clinical findings.
- Conventional radiography can confirm calcific deposits; advanced imaging is rarely needed.
- Follow-up US can confirm symptom improvement over time.
Purpose:
To present a series of 37 cases diagnosed with ultrasound (US) of symptomatic hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD) involving the wrist and hand.
Materials And Methods:
Reports from two institutions were searched using the keywords "HADD hand/wrist" or "calcium deposit hand/wrist". The US examinations were performed with a similar standardized approach, focusing on the region of pain. B-mode and Doppler sonograms were acquired. Each author reviewed the cases to ensure that only cases consistent with HADD were included.
Results:
A total of 37 patients were identified, mostly women (81% of the cases). The mean age was 50 years old. Calcifications usually showed resorptive stage features (type III). Follow-up clinical data were available in 16 patients, mostly with at least a partial resolution of symptoms.
Conclusion:
US is a useful imaging technique to diagnose HADD of the hand and wrist, especially in the correct clinical context (e.g., acute non-traumatic symptoms in women, with progressive improvement in pain). Conventional radiography may help to confirm the calcific deposit. Advanced imaging modalities are usually not required, but may be considered in selected cases. Follow-up to confirm an improvement over time is suggested.
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