Pseudogout Flashcards

1
Q

What is pseudogout

A

Inflammation of joints caused by deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in articular and peri-articular tissue

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2
Q

Who is most commonly affected by pseudogout

A

Elderly

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3
Q

What are some precipitants for pseudogout

A
Dehydration
Intercurrent illness
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypomagnesaemia
Long-term steroid use
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4
Q

Which joints are commonly affected

A

Knee - most common

Can also affect wrists, shoulders, hands and feet

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5
Q

What are the clinical features of pseudogout

A

Acute joint inflammation:
Swelling
Erythema
Warm

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6
Q

What diagnostic investigations could you do for this patient

A

X-ray
US
Synovial fluid aspiration

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7
Q

What would you expect to find on X-ray of a patient with pseudogout

A

Linear opacification of articular cartilage

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8
Q

What would you expect to find on US of a patient with pseudogout

A

Calcified deposits in articular tissues

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9
Q

What would you expect to find on synovial fluid aspiration of a patient with pseudogout

A

Positively birefringent rhomboid-shaped crystals under polarised light

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10
Q

How would you manage a patient with pseudogout

A

Conservative:
Ice packs
Rest

Medical:
NSAIDs
Intra-articular steroid injections
Systemic steroids - if treatment failure/contraindication

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