Pseudogout - Slideshow
What is pseudogout?
Other Names: calcium pyrophosphate
deposition disease or CPPD
Pseudogout is a type of inflammation of
joints (arthritis) that is caused by deposits of crystals, called calcium
pyrophosphate, in and around the joints. It is a form of arthritis
characterized by sudden, painful swelling in one or more of your joints. These
episodes can last for days or weeks. The most commonly affected joint is the
knee.
It isn't clear why crystals form in your
joints and cause pseudogout, but the risk increases with age.
Pseudogout has been reported to
occasionally coexist with gout. This means that the two types of crystals can
sometimes be found in the same joint fluid.
What are the symptoms of pseudogout?
Pseudogout can result in arthritis of a
number of joints. The most common joint affected is the knee, but it can also
involve the wrists, shoulders, hips, and/or ankles.
In many cases, there are no symptoms.
However, during a pseudogout attack, the affected joints are usually:
- Swollen
- Warm
- Severely painful
What are the causes pseudogout?
Pseudogout is primarily caused by the
precipitation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals developing within a
joint space. These crystals become more numerous as people age, appearing in
nearly half the population older than age 85. But most people who have these
crystal deposits never develop pseudogout. It's not clear why some people have
symptoms and others don't.
