Musculoskeletal ImagingCirrhosis
a disease of the liver in which the normal lobular architecture is lost, with
fibrosis and later
nodular regeneration. For general description, see
cirrhosis.
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a disorder mainly of women characterized by jaundice, pruritus, abnormal liver function and an enlarged liver. Several musculoskeletal manifestations may occur, such as osteomalacia, osteoporosis, arthralgias, arthritis, and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Destructive or erosive joint disease may sometimes be observed. Xanthomas may form in soft tissues or in subperiosteal or intramedullary locations as a result of hypercholesterolaemia. Peripheral joints may show soft tissue swelling, joint space narrowing and, rarely, chondrocalcinosis.
Laennecs cirrhosis can be associated with inflammatory polyarthritis, most commonly affecting the shoulders, elbows and knees. Osteoporosis, soft tissue swelling in peripheral joints, and sometimes calcific peri-arthritis are seen.
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