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Sub-Category:

Crystal-Induced Arthritis

Number of Conditions: 1

Pseudogout (Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease, CPPD)

Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Category: Rheumatologic Conditions

Sub-category: Crystal-Induced Arthritis

Symptoms:
sudden onset of joint pain and swelling, often affecting the knees, wrists, or hips; redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected joint; joint stiffness, particularly in the mornings

Root Cause:
Pseudogout is caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals in the joints. This results in inflammation and painful flare-ups, which can mimic gout.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination of affected joints. Joint aspiration and microscopic examination of synovial fluid for CPPD crystals. X-rays showing characteristic chondrocalcinosis (calcium deposits in the cartilage). Blood tests to rule out other causes of arthritis.

Treatment:
Acute attacks - NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), colchicine, corticosteroid injections into the affected joint. Chronic management - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy to maintain joint function, and in some cases, low-dose colchicine to prevent flare-ups;

Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ) – Reduce inflammation and pain during acute attacks. Colchicine – Used for acute pseudogout attacks and to prevent future flare-ups. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone , methylprednisolone ) – Intra-articular or oral steroids used to reduce severe inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Pseudogout is less common than gout but is seen in about 5% of individuals over 65 years old. It is more common in older adults and those with underlying joint conditions like osteoarthritis.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging (older adults are more prone). Joint trauma or surgery. Family history of pseudogout. Hyperparathyroidism. Hemochromatosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The condition is generally manageable with treatment, but it may cause recurrent attacks and, in some cases, lead to chronic joint damage and functional limitations.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent joint pain and inflammation. Chronic joint damage leading to arthritis. Limited range of motion or deformities in affected joints. Increased risk of osteoarthritis in affected joints.