Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic disease caused by roundworms of the Trichinella type. During the initial infection, invasion of the intestines can result in diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Migration of larvae to muscle, which occurs about a week after being infected, can cause swelling of the face, inflammation of the whites of the eyes, fever, muscle pains, and a rash. Minor infection may be without symptoms. Complications may include inflammation of heart muscle, central nervous system involvement, and inflammation of the lungs.Trichinosis is mainly spread when undercooked meat containing Trichinella cysts is eaten. In North America this is most often bear, but infection can also occur from pork, boar, and dog meat. Several species of Trichinella can cause disease, with T. spiralis being the most common. After being eaten, the larvae are released from their cysts in the stomach. They then invade the wall of the small intestine, where they develop into adult worms. After one week, the females release new larvae that migrate to voluntarily controlled muscles, where they form cysts. The diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and confirmed by finding specific antibodies in the blood, or larvae on tissue biopsy.The best way to prevent trichinosis is to fully cook meat. A food thermometer can verify that the temperature inside the meat is high enough. Infection is typically treated with antiparasitic medication such as albendazole or mebendazole. Rapid treatment may kill adult worms and thereby stop further worsening of symptoms.
Crystal arthropathy is a class of joint disorder (called arthropathy) that is characterized by accumulation of tiny crystals in one or more joints. Polarizing microscopy and application of other crystallographic techniques have improved identification of different microcrystals including monosodium urate, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, calcium hydroxyapatite, and calcium oxalate. Types
Causes
Deposition of crystals in joints
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal formation:
Increased production of inorganic pyrophosphate
Decreased levels of pyrophosphatase in cartilage
Decreased levels of cartilage glycosaminoglycans
Hyperparathyroidism
Hemochromatosis
Hypophosphatasia
Hypomagnesemia
Hydroxyapatite deposition:
Tissue damage
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypercalcemia
Hyperphosphatemia
Calcium oxalate deposition:
Enhanced production of oxalic acid due to enzyme defect
Poor excretion of oxalic acid in kidney failure
Excessive ascorbic acid intake in kidney failure

Risk factors
Obesity
Kidney failure
Hyperphosphatemia
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypercalcemia
Tissue damage (dystrophic calcification)

Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
Septic arthritis
Type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia
Amyloidosis
Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis
Hyperparathyroidism
Spondyloarthropathy
Rheumatoid arthritis
Fibromyalgia

Treatment
References


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