Pseudogout Flashcards
What is pseudogout?
Pseudogout is a potentially disabling and erosive inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals into joints and soft tissue
It is also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
Who is most ay risk of pseudogout?
Elderly (Chondrocalcinosis increases with age)
Osteoarthritis
What joints are most commonly affected by pseudogout?
FIbrocartilaginous joints such as knees, wrists and ankles
How can pseudogout present?
The presentation varies with many patients being symptomatic and only picked up incidentally on X-ray
Others may present with chronic pain and stiffness in multiple joints
A typical acute presentation of gout is a person over 65 with a rapid onset, hot, swollen, stiff and painful knee
What other condition needs to be ruled out in pseudogout, before management?
Septic arthritis, via aspiration and culturing
What tests are required in diagnosis of pseudogout?
X-ray
Polarised microscopy
What will be shown on polarised microscopy in pseudogout?
rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent crystals
What will be shown on X-ray in pseudogout?
X-ray can also show chondrocalcinosis, which is calcium deposits in the joint cartilage, showing as a thin white line in the joint space
Other X-ray changes are similar to that os osteoarthritis
What are some treatments used in pseudogout?
Treatment for pseudogout includes:
- NSAIDs
- Colchicine
- Steroids
- Rehydration
There is no preventable treatment available for pseudogout
