Hand changes in primary biliary cirrhosis.

The radiographic findings in the hands of 13 patients with primary biliary cirrhosis are described. Erosive arthritis was present in 12 of the 13 cases. Seven patients hand osteopenia due to hepatic osteodystrophy. Intraosseous lytic defects were present in 3 cases. Chondrocalcinosis, a previously unreported finding, was seen in 2 patients, and one exhibited hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. The significance of these radiographic findings is discussed.