Pseudogout

· Aka Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD)

· Findings:

o Deposits of calcium pyrophosphate crystals within the joint space-> seen as chondrocalcinosis (calcification of the cartilage) on x-ray

· Affected Groups:

o Age >50 years

o Both genders impacted equally

o Hemochromatosis

o Hyperparathyroidism

o Joint trauma

· Knee is the most commonly affected joint

o Other possible joints involved: wrist, elbows, shoulders, ankles, feet

· Crystals are rhomboid shaped, positively birefringent under polarized light

o Blue when parallel

o Yellow when perpendicular

· Treatment:

o Acute: NSAIDs, Glucocorticoids, Colchicine

o Prophylaxis: Colchicine

· Differential Diagnosis:

o Gout

o Asymptomatic Cartilage Calcification

o Osteoarthritis

o Rheumatoid Arthritis

o Septic Arthritis

o Cellulitis

o Fracture

 References:

Rosenthal, A. K. (2020, February). Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPPD) disease. Retrieved March 3, 2020, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-calcium-pyrophosphate-crystal-deposition-cppd disease?search=pseudogout&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~78&usage_type=default&display_rank=2

Rosenthal, A. K. (2018, August 28). Treatment of calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition (CPPD) disease. Retrieved March 3, 2020, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-calcium-pyrophosphate-cry...