Elbow - Anterior View

Anterior humeral recess

Ultrasound Images

Main Image

Main image - Case GM-ANT-M-A1130

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Comparison image - Case GM-ANT-M-A1130

Classification

Case code: GM-ANT-M-A1130
Joint: Elbow
View: Anterior
Severity: Moderate

Patient

Age: 77 years
Sex: Female
Condition: Acquired hemophilia A (autoimmune, inhibitor positive)
Joint ROM: Extension -20° (lacks 20° full extension), Flexion 110° (moderately reduced)
Additional image 1 - Case GM-ANT-M-A1130
Additional image 2 - Case GM-ANT-M-A1130
Additional image 3 - Case GM-ANT-M-A1130

History

Elderly female patient diagnosed with acquired hemophilia A at age 74 following spontaneous large subcutaneous hematomas and markedly prolonged aPTT discovered during preoperative workup for hip replacement surgery. Inhibitor titer initially measured at 22 Bethesda Units. No previous personal or family history of bleeding disorders. Has experienced 6 episodes of spontaneous left elbow hemarthrosis over the past 36 months despite immunosuppressive therapy (prednisone and rituximab) and bypassing agent coverage (recombinant activated factor VII). Joint symptoms significantly complicate pre-existing age-related osteoarthritis and functional decline. Reports moderate to severe pain (VAS 6-7/10) affecting ability to perform self-care activities including dressing, feeding, and grooming. Previously independent, now requires assistance with multiple activities of daily living. Lives with daughter's family following loss of independence. Comorbidities include hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and chronic kidney disease stage 3b.

Physical Examination

Moderate swelling of left elbow with visible effusion and palpable synovial thickening around anterior and medial aspects of joint. Age-related muscle atrophy of upper extremities with additional wasting from hemophilic involvement - biceps circumference 3cm smaller than right arm. Moderate flexion contracture visible at rest with elbow positioned at approximately 20° flexion. Range of motion significantly limited: lacks 20° of full extension (fixed at -20°), achieves only 110° flexion with pain and firm end-feel. Supination reduced to 60° (normal 85°), pronation to 65° (normal 80°). Palpable crepitus throughout available range. Joint line tenderness anteriorly and medially. Ligamentous examination difficult due to pain and contracture but no gross instability evident. Functional assessment reveals significant impairment: unable to bring hand fully to mouth, difficulty reaching overhead, cannot perform personal grooming without adaptive equipment. Gait requires walker for stability. Tremor noted in both hands (age-related essential tremor) complicating fine motor tasks.

Ultrasound Findings

Ultrasound examination in anterior view demonstrates moderate pathological changes:

  • Anterior joint capsule: marked thickening (5mm) with fibrosis
  • Anterior recess: moderate synovial proliferation (6mm) with complex effusion
  • Coronoid fossa: irregular contour with erosive changes
  • Radial head cartilage: moderate loss with surface irregularities
  • Capitellum: moderate cartilage loss and early erosions
  • Moderate synovial hyperemia on Doppler
  • Bony surfaces: multiple erosions and early osteophytes
  • Complex effusion with internal echoes
  • Anterior soft tissue thickening and edema

Anatomical Zones

Anterior humeral recess

The anterior recess demonstrates moderate chronic alterations representing a complex interplay between acquired hemophilic arthropathy and age-related degenerative changes, with predominant synovial proliferation, cartilage loss, and erosive bone changes accumulated over 36 months of recurrent hemorrhagic episodes.
Synovial thickness and joint effusion: 6.2mm synovial proliferation; 5mm complex effusion
Findings: The anterior recess displays moderate pathological alterations characteristic of established hemophilic arthropathy superimposed on age-related changes. The synovial membrane demonstrates marked proliferation measuring 6.2mm in thickness (normal <1mm), appearing as a heterogeneous hypoechoic to isoechoic tissue mass with irregular, nodular surface. The synovial echostructure shows multiple areas of increased echogenicity suggesting hemosiderin deposition and focal fibrosis from recurrent bleeding. A moderate amount of complex joint effusion (5mm anterior-posterior measurement) fills the recess, containing multiple internal echoes and scattered hyperechoic particles representing hemorrhagic debris, fibrin strands, and inflammatory elements. The fluid demonstrates slight layering effect with more echogenic material settling dependently. The coronoid fossa shows moderate irregularity with loss of its smooth concave contour. Multiple small erosions (3-5mm depth) are visible as hypoechoic defects in the normally hyperechoic bony surface, particularly concentrated in the central and medial aspects. The articular cartilage of the trochlea demonstrates moderate thinning to 0.7-1.0mm (normal 1.5-2mm), representing approximately 40% cartilage loss. Multiple focal defects (4-5 distinct areas ranging 2-4mm) show interruption of the cartilage layer with exposure of irregular subchondral bone. The capitellar articular surface shows similar moderate changes with cartilage thinning to 0.8-1.1mm and several focal erosions (3x2mm, 4x3mm) in the anterior weight-bearing zone. The subchondral bone demonstrates irregularity with loss of smooth cortical lines and 3-4 small subchondral cysts (2-3mm diameter) visible as anechoic structures beneath the cortical surface. The radial fossa shows moderate irregularity with early osteophyte formation at its margins (3x2mm bony spur). Six to eight small loose bodies or debris particles (1-3mm hyperechoic foci) are scattered throughout the anterior recess, some demonstrating posterior acoustic shadowing. The anterior joint capsule shows marked fibrotic thickening measuring 5mm (normal <2mm) with heterogeneous echostructure containing hypoechoic fibrous tissue and scattered hyperechoic calcifications (4-5 punctate deposits 1-2mm each). Color Doppler examination reveals moderate synovial hyperemia with 5-7 vessels (0.5-1mm diameter) creating an organized vascular network (grade 2 vascularity). Power Doppler confirms moderate flow within the synovium with signal extending from capsular periphery into synovial tissue. The anterior fat pad shows displacement and mild inflammatory infiltration with loss of normal homogeneous hyperechoic appearance.
Anterior humeral recess
Anterior humeral recess

Additional Notes

This case represents moderate hemophilic arthropathy in an elderly patient with acquired hemophilia, complicated by pre-existing age-related joint changes. The combination of hemophilic erosions and age-related osteoarthritic features creates a complex clinical picture. Management is complicated by multiple comorbidities requiring careful medication selection. Current treatment includes prednisone taper, rituximab infusions for inhibitor eradication (current titer reduced to 6 BU), and recombinant activated factor VII for breakthrough bleeding. Joint preservation is prioritized given limited surgical options at this age. Physical therapy adapted for elderly patient focuses on maintaining functional independence: gentle range of motion exercises, adaptive equipment training, and fall prevention strategies. Pain management includes scheduled acetaminophen and topical lidocaine patches (avoiding NSAIDs due to bleeding risk and renal function). Occupational therapy addresses activities of daily living with adaptive devices for dressing, feeding, and grooming. Quality of life considerations are paramount with multidisciplinary team coordination. Follow-up ultrasound planned in 4-6 months to assess progression. Prognosis is guarded with goals focused on maintaining current function and preventing further deterioration rather than improvement. This case highlights challenges of managing acquired hemophilia in elderly patients where treatment goals must balance bleeding control against age-related limitations and comorbidities.