Iron Synovitis in Hemochromatosis Associated Arthropathy-A Great Mimicker

Abstract

Secondary hemochromatosis is a condition generated by defects in the iron metabolism such as elevated intestinal iron absorption and increased iron stores in tissues and organs. The current case report presents a 35-year-old female admitted for inflammatory pain of the left ankle, second and third right MCP joints and right sternoclavicular joint associated with Celsian clinical signs, subcutaneous edema and loss of articular function. The patient is known with beta thalassemia major, secondary hemochromatosis and chronic hepatitis C as a consequence of repeated blood transfusions. We pleaded for the existence of a HC-A associated with microcrystalline calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystal deposition (CPPD) disease associated with secondary osteoarthritic changes.