Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition

Question 1

Chronic pseudogout

Answer 1

Asymmetric involvement of shoulders, wrists, MCP joints, knees
Swelling and deformity of joints and morning stiffness

Question 2

Asymptomatic chondrocalcinosis

Answer 2

• triangular fibrocartilage of the wrist joint between the carpal joints and distal ulna
• menisci of the knee joint
• symphysis pubis

Question 3

Patients with CPPD under age 50 should be screened for the following

Answer 3

• hemochromatosis
• hyperparathyroidism
• hypothyroidism
• gout

Question 4

Diagnosis of CPPD

Answer 4

• presence of positively birefringent, rhomboid shaped crystals AND
• typical cartilage or joint capsule calcification on X-ray
• the absence of chondrocalcinosis on X-ray does not rule out CPPD

Question 5

Features of acute pseudogout

Answer 5

Inflammation localized to one joint usually knee, wrist, shoulder, ankle
Acute onset of several painful joints following trauma or surgery