RADIOGRAPHIC PREVALENCE ANALYSIS OF CHONDROCALCINOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A SOUTHERN BRAZILIAN SAMPLE

Background: Chondrocalcinosis commonly manifests as arthritis and is referred to as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease. When it presents as chronic polyarthritis, it resembles rheumatoid arthritis. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, due to chronic joint inflammation, experience cartilage damage that stimulates the formation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals, leading to the coexistence of both diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of chondrocalcinosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and analyze their clinical profiles. Methodology: This was a longitudinal, observational and retrospective study, analyzing epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data from 110 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Results: The prevalence of chondrocalcinosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was 5.45%. Factors associated with chondrocalcinosis included age and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Chondrocalcinosis can coexist with rheumatoid arthritis due to chronic cartilage damage caused by the disease; however, diagnostic errors should be considered. Special attention should be given to patients over 60 years old. Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, chondrocalcinosis, diabetes mellitus