Summary about Disease
Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease, is a form of arthritis that causes sudden, painful swelling in one or more of your joints. It's similar to gout, but instead of uric acid crystals, pseudogout is caused by the formation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joint. It most commonly affects the knees, but can also affect the wrists, ankles, shoulders, and other joints.
Symptoms
The main symptom is sudden, intense joint pain and swelling, often in one joint at a time. Other symptoms include:
Warmth and redness around the affected joint.
Stiffness in the joint.
Fever (rare).
Episodes can last for days or weeks.
Causes
The exact cause of pseudogout isn't fully understood, but it's related to the formation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the cartilage of joints. Risk factors include:
Older age (risk increases with age).
Joint injury or surgery.
Genetic predisposition.
Certain medical conditions, such as:
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid)
Hemochromatosis (iron overload)
Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium)
Gout
Amyloidosis
Medicine Used
There's no cure for pseudogout, but medications can help manage pain and inflammation during acute attacks and prevent future episodes. Common medications include:
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Used to reduce pain and inflammation.
Colchicine: Can be used to treat acute attacks and prevent recurrences.
Corticosteroids: Such as prednisone. Can be taken orally or injected directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation quickly.
Joint aspiration and corticosteroid injection: Removing fluid from the joint with a needle followed by injecting a corticosteroid directly into the joint.
Is Communicable
No, pseudogout is not communicable. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While you can't entirely prevent pseudogout, you can take steps to reduce the risk of attacks and manage the condition:
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put extra stress on your joints.
Treat underlying medical conditions: Managing conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hemochromatosis, and hypomagnesemia may help.
Avoid joint injuries: Protect your joints during physical activity.
Low dose Colchicine: Daily use to prevent flare ups.
How long does an outbreak last?
An acute pseudogout attack typically lasts from a few days to several weeks. The duration can vary depending on the individual, the severity of the attack, and the treatment received.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
Joint aspiration: A needle is used to withdraw fluid from the affected joint. The fluid is then examined under a microscope for calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
X-rays: To look for signs of joint damage and calcium deposits in the cartilage (chondrocalcinosis).
Medical history and physical exam: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical examination.
Blood tests: May be conducted to rule out other conditions.
Timeline of Symptoms
The symptoms of pseudogout typically appear suddenly and can progress rapidly:
Onset: Sudden, intense joint pain, often developing over a few hours.
Peak: Pain and swelling reach their peak within 6-24 hours.
Duration: Symptoms persist for several days to weeks.
Resolution: Symptoms gradually subside, and the joint returns to normal (or near normal) function.
Recurrence: Attacks can recur unpredictably.
Important Considerations
Pseudogout can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions like gout or septic arthritis, so accurate diagnosis is crucial.
Long-term, repeated attacks can lead to chronic joint damage and osteoarthritis.
The presence of chondrocalcinosis (calcium deposits in cartilage) on X-rays doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop pseudogout symptoms. Many people have these deposits without experiencing any pain or inflammation.
Consult your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment if you suspect you have pseudogout.