Peri-articular erosions in the hands and wrists in haemodialysis patients

Peri-articular erosions have been described in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Seventy-two patients with chronic renal failure were reviewed for the presence of erosions. These were found in 15 patients while another 20 patients showed other evidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism. The distribution of erosions was unlike that of other erosive arthropathies, and there were no relevant clinical symptoms. Previous reports of peri-articular erosions in hyperparathyroidism are reviewed. It is concluded that peri-articular erosion is a common finding in secondary hyperparathyroidism and may be the major radiographic feature of this condition.