Pseudogout Flashcards
1
Q
what is it?
A
acute arthritis caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals
2
Q
pathogenesis
A
chondrocalcinosis - calcium pyrophosphate deposition occurs in cartilage/ soft tissues in the absence of acute inflammation
both under the umbrella CPDD - calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
- knee, wrist, ankle
- can coexist with hyperparathyroidism
3
Q
who gets it?
A
exact cause unknown can coexist with hyperparathyroidism hypothyroidism renal osteodystrophy haemochromatosis Wilson's disease OA - however if it's chronic it can cause OA
4
Q
how is it investigated?
A
sample of synovial fluid analysed with gram stain and culture to exclude infection polarised microscopy - needle shaped uric acid crystals - +ve birefringence
5
Q
how is it managed?
A
acute attacks - NSAIDs, corticosteroids (systemic and intra-articular) occasional colchicine
no medications used as prophylaxis
