Pseudogout

Question 1

What are the alternative names for Pseudogout?

Answer 1

Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Arthropathy Chondrocalcinosis

Question 2

How does acute Pseudogout present?

Answer 2

Monoarthropathy
Commonly knee, wrist or hip
Spontaneous
Self limiting

Question 3

How does chronic Pseudogout present?

Answer 3

Destructive changes seen similar to OA

Can present as polyarthritis - aka Pseudo-rheumatoid

Question 4

What is the pathophysiology of Pseudogout?

Answer 4

Accumulation of calcium pyrophosphase dihydrate crystals in joints and surrounding tissues causing inflammation

Question 5

What are some of the risk factors for Pseudogout?

Answer 5

Increasing age
OA
DM
Hypothyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism
Wilson's disease

Question 6

What investigations can be done in a patient with suspected Pseudogout?

Answer 6

Polarised light microscopy - See positive rhomboid shaped crystals
X ray - May show chondrocalcinosis

Question 7

What is Chondrocalcinosis?

Answer 7

Calcium deposited in soft tissues

Question 8

What is the treatment for Pseudogout?

Answer 8

Analgesia
NSAIDs
Steroids