Pseudogout

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

acute arthritis caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystals

Question 2

pathogenesis

Answer 2

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

Question 3

who gets it?

Answer 3

exact cause unknown can coexist with hyperparathyroidism hypothyroidism renal osteodystrophy haemochromatosis Wilson’s disease OA - however if it’s chronic it can cause OA

Question 4

how is it investigated?

Answer 4

sample of synovial fluidanalysed with gram stain and culture to exclude infection polarised microscopy - needle shaped uric acid crystals- +ve birefringence

Question 5

how is it managed?

Answer 5

acute attacks - NSAIDs, corticosteroids (systemic and intra-articular) occasional colchicine no medications used as prophylaxis