Erosive arthritis associated with apatite crystal deposition

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Abstract
Apatite crystals can be associated with erosive arthritis. This report describes 3 such patients, 2 of whom had idiopathic apatite crystal deposition and 1 who had apatite related to renal failure and chronic dialysis. Diagnosis was delayed for several years in 1 patient. Roentgenograms showed calcifications in all patients. Synovial fluid had non‐birefringent chunks and globules suggestive of apatite. Diagnosis was established by electron microscopy in all 3 patients and verified by x‐ray diffraction in 2.