Pseudogout Flashcards
1
Q
What is pseudogout and what causes it?
A
Crystal arthropathy, caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals deposited in a joint.
2
Q
What is this a presentation of?
Older adult with hot, swollen, stiff, painful knee. Chondrocalcinosis on x-ray.
A
Pseudogout
3
Q
What is needed for a definitive diagnosis of pseudogout?
A
Joint aspiration, also need to exclude septic arthritis.
4
Q
What is this joint aspirate finding indicative of?
- No bacterial growth
- Calcium pyrophosphate crystals
- Rhomboid shaped crystals
- Positive birefringent of polarised light
A
Pseudogout
5
Q
What is this x-ray finding indicative of?
- Chondrocalcinosis
- Loss of joint space
- Osteophytes
- Subarticular sclerosis
- Subchondral cysts
A
Pseudogout
6
Q
What is the management of asymptomatic pseudogout?
A
No action needed, will resolve spontaneously over several weeks.
7
Q
What is the management of symptomatic pseudogout?
A
NSAIDs, colchicine, joint aspiration, steroid injections, oral steroids, joint washout in severe cases.
