[Pseudotumoral calcinosis of the wrist compressing the radial nerve in systemic sclerosis].

BACKGROUND

Pseudotumoral calcinosis, a rare complication of systemic scleroderma, is characterized by the presence in extra-articular tissue, but rarely intra-articular tissue, of large masses made up of hydroxyapatite crystals.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We report an original case of intra- and extra-articular pseudotumoral calcinosis of the wrist diagnosed in a patient followed for mild systemic scleroderma. The calcinosis was revealed in a highly unusual way via ductal syndrome secondary to compression of the radial nerve in the wrist. Surgical treatment resulted in marked clinical and functional improvement.

COMMENT: Although subcutaneous calcinoses are a fairly common complication of systemic scleroderma, the pseudo-tumoral form remains extremely rare. It may be complicated by pain, recurrent infection, and functional restriction, but literature contains only very rare reports of its revelation via ductal syndrome.