Periarticular calcification in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the radiologic manifestations of periarticular calcification in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to investigate clinical variables associated with its occurrence.

METHODS

Hand radiographs and clinical records of 52 patients who had 4 or more features of the 1982 revised criteria for classifying SLE and who had no other collagen vascular diseases were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Periarticular calcifications were found in 7 patients (13.5%) near the distal and proximal interphalangeal (DIP and PIP) joints and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. No significant association with calcification was noted for the following variables: age at disease onset, duration of the disease, sex, the maximum value of the serum calcium, organic phosphate, and uric acid, Raynaud's phenomenon, lupus nephritis, femoral avascular necrosis, central nervous system lupus, proteinuria, or the use of drugs such as corticosteroids, synthetic vitamin D, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. However, a significant association was noted with the use of furosemide (p < 0.01 by chi-square). In 5 patients periarticular calcification was observed during or just after hyperuricemia had developed while taking diuretics.

CONCLUSION

Periarticular calcification in patients with SLE was seen in the DIP, PIP, and MCP joints, and appeared to be associated with the use of diuretics. If patients with SLE are prescribed a diuretic regimen, crystal associated arthritis should be considered as a possibility when diagnosing oligoarthritis.