Form of arthritis characterized by a painful, sudden attack of a hot, very swollen, red joint, caused by calcium crystals in the joint. Severe attacks of pseudogout often occur in the knees and can incapacitate someone for days or weeks. The wrists, shoulders, ankles, elbows, or hands may also be affected. Clinically, the presentation may mimic gout, though the joint crystals found in gout are different (uric acid). Treatment involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroid injection into the affected joint. To prevent further attacks, low doses of colchicine (available only as a generic) or NSAIDs may be effective. Unfortunately, no treatment is available to dissolve the crystal deposits. If severe joint degeneration occurs over time, surgery to repair and replace damaged joints is an option.
A form of arthritis caused by crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) in one or more joints. Pseudogout is distinguished from true gout by the difference in the composition of the crystals. Pseudogout usually involves large joints such as the knees, wrist, and ankles, while gout (which results from uric acid crystals) typically involves the first joint of the big toe. In pseudogout, the CPPD crystals in the joint cause severe inflammation and produce symptoms such as pain, swelling, and localized redness.
Joint pain and swelling, resembling gout, caused by crystals of calcium pyrophosphate in the synovial membrane and fluid.
Chronic recurrent arthritis that may be clinically similar to gout. The crystals found in synovial fluid are composed of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD), instead of urate (urate crystals accumulate in the synovial fluid in gout). CPPD crystals deposit in fibrocartilage (e.g., meniscus of knee, triangular fibrocartilage of wrist), and these deposits can be identified on radiographs as chondrocalcinosis. The most commonly involved joint is the knee. Multiple joints are involved in two thirds of patients. This condition is treated by joint aspiration, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and intra-articular injection of glucocorticoids.
The origin is uncertain; in uncommon instances, it emerges as a complication of diabetes mellitus, hyperparathyroidism, and hemochromatosis. The symptoms closely resemble those of gout. Detection involves analyzing a sample of joint fluid. Management entails the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).