CPPD Chondrocalcinosis — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyMusculoskeletal ImagingCPPD ChondrocalcinosisSCE Rheumatology

A 45-year-old woman develops acute wrist pain after a fall. A radiograph shows no fracture but demonstrates linear calcification following the triangular fibrocartilage complex. What is this radiographic finding?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Chondrocalcinosis from calcium pyrophosphate deposition

The correct answer is B. Linear calcification within the triangular fibrocartilage complex is chondrocalcinosis, a characteristic wrist manifestation of calcium pyrophosphate deposition. The radiographic finding alone does not establish that the current post-traumatic pain represents acute CPP crystal arthritis; crystal identification in synovial fluid is the definitive diagnostic test when acute crystal arthritis is suspected. Osteoarthritis would primarily cause joint-space narrowing, osteophytes and subchondral change rather than isolated linear fibrocartilage calcification. The stated location excludes scapholunate ligament calcification. Tophaceous gout usually produces soft-tissue nodules and well-defined erosions rather than linear calcification within fibrocartilage. Because CPP deposition is unusual at 45 years, confirmed clinically relevant disease should prompt consideration of associated metabolic or familial factors.

Reference: Tedeschi SK et al. Imaging Features of Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease: Consensus Definitions From an International Multidisciplinary Working Group. Arthritis Care & Research. 2023;75:825-834. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35439343/