The patient, a 61-year-old woman with a 25-year history of systemic sclerosis, presented to our clinic with chronic bilateral hip pain and severe restriction of movement. Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography, performed to assess joint replacement as a treatment approach, provided a vivid illustration of ectopic calcifications that had developed in the course of the disease. The posteroanterior view of the pelvis presented here reveals entrapment of both hip joints within massive calcific tissue. Calcifications developed in the periarticular space and within adjacent muscles (quadriceps, gluteal muscles, obturators). Bilateral loss of cartilage space and erosion of the external side of the acetabulum were also documented, especially on the right side. Ileac arteries and deep and superficial femoral arteries were unaffected, although smaller branches appeared to be trapped within these enormous calcific masses. The morphology of ectopic calcifications in this patient resembled the formation of stalagmites.
From Aerthritis and Rheumatism
From Aerthritis and Rheumatism
