Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition in synovium. relationship to collagen fibers and chondrometaplasia

Abstract

Our EM findings provide evidence of the relationship of small CPPD-like crystals, presumably early forms, to collagen fibers both in synovium and in cartilage. By LM and EM, we also demonstrate evidence of a close association between chondrometaplasia and CPPD deposits in synovium. We suggest that chondrometaplasia might be responsible for synovial CPPD formation in predisposed patients. Both the collagen fibers and chondrocyte-like cells seem to be involved in the primary formation of CPPD deposits in the synovium as well as in the cartilage.