What are BCP crystals?
BCP crystals are a family of calcium-containing crystals including partially carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite (HA), octacalcium phosphate, and tricalcium phosphate (whitlockite). The most abundant of these is HA. Collectively, these calcium-containing minerals are referred to as BCP. These minerals may be found in soft tissue and tendon calcifications and in some forms of arthritis, hence their relevance to rheumatology. Additionally, BCP crystals may also be found outside articular sites in the blood vessels, skin, and other structures.
