A 68-Year-Old Man Visits the Office Because He Is Having

A 68-year-old man visits the office because he is having difficulty performing normal daily activities with his hands. He has been taking over-the-counter analgesics for pain in his finger joints, wrists, and knees for many years. The patient has previously been evaluated by doctors for "joint problems," but has declined treatment recommendations. He has smoked a pack of cigarettes every day for the past 30 years. Vital signs are typical. The image below depicts the results of the patient's hand examination. Which of the following pathogenic mechanisms is most likely responsible for this patient's condition?

A) Calcific degeneration of the cartilage
B) Cartilage thinning and subchondral sclerosis
C) DNA/anti-DNA immune complex deposition
D) Synovial pannus formation
E) Uric acid crystal deposition

Correct Answer:

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