The most important clinical signs of ochronosis are the pigmentations of the sclerae, auricles and the interphalyngeal and metatarsal joints. The otoscopic examination also demonstrates black cerumen. The earbones and the membranum tympanum have deposits of ochronotic pigments causing tinitus and diminished hearing. The cardiovascular examination reveals an aortic murmur as a result of aortic stenosis and calcification. The deposits of ochronotic pigments in the valves could be an occasion for dystrophic calcification.
Rectal examination reveals a nodular prostate in consequence of prostatic calcifications.
There is no cure for ochronotic arthropathy. Unfortunately, the progress of the disease is not interrupted by this treatment. Finally, arthroplasty of the hip and knee is often necessary. References Chaslerie A., Bannwarth B., Landreau J.M., ed. 4, 298-300, Apr. 1992.