RADIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS OF ALKAPTONURIC OSTEOARTHROSIS
The article presents a demonstration of the clinical case of radiological diagnosis of alkaptonuric osteoarthrosis (ochronosis). Alkaptonuria is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of homogentisic dioxygenase and leading to its accumulation in collagen structures. This causes the classical clinical triad: 1) homogentisic aciduria (urine blackens when standing upon oxidation or alkalization); 2) eumelanin-like pigmentation of the skin, sclera, cartilage, etc. and 3) degenerative chronic arthropathies, usually occurring in the fourth decade of life. Other important but rarer consequences of alkaptonuric ochronosis are lesions of the cardiovascular system and urinary tract. We present a case of ochronosis with skin manifestations (sclera, ears), as well as with severe spondyloarthropathy with extensive calcification of the intervertebral discs, decreased mobility, osteoarthritis of the knee and shoulder joints. Ochronosis was diagnosed in our patient at rather late stage, because he did not seek medical help for a long time. The article presents the data of a Radiological examination of the joints and spine (radiographs and computed tomograms), which reflect the characteristic changes in the musculoskeletal system with alkaptonuric osteoarthritis. Thus, the clinical and radiological picture was very demonstrative, therefore, the diagnosis of ochronosis did not cause any difficulties.