Pseudogout / CPPD



Background

  • Destruction of joints and soft tissues by deposition of Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals.
  1. Asymptomatic (majority)
    1. X-ray: ↓joint space, subchondral sclerosis
  2. Acute "gout" (hot, red, swollen, and stiff joint)
    1. Acute mono-arthritis
  3. Chronic (Pseudorheumatoid) arthritis (5%)
    1. Oligoarthritris, chronic cooler arthritis, ↑ESR
  • M = F, ↑↑ with age

Clinical

  • Sudden onset of intense, constant pain in one joint
  • ? triggered by stressor, lasts for 5 - 14 days
  • Knee involved in ½ cases (rater than great toe in gout)
  • ± pyrexia
  • Eventul joint cartilage destructin with loose bodies and erosions

Differential Dx

  • Gout
  • Septic arthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Investigations

  • Plain x-rays (chondrocalcinosis,
  • Synovial fluid aspiration (

Management

  • No cure - aim for management
  • NSAIDs
  • ±steroids
  • GP long term Mx


Content By Dr Íomhar O' Sullivan 19/12/2014. Last review Dr ÍOS 16/12/19.