Acute calcific periarthritis in scleroderma.

Three patients with limited cutaneous scleroderma (CREST syndrome) and acute calcific periarthritis are presented. "Chalky" bursal effusion in one patient demonstrated masses of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals. In contrast to idiopathic acute calcific periarthritis, resorption of periarticular calcifications after resolution of acute attacks occurs both less frequently and incompletely in scleroderma associated acute calcific periarthritis.