Pronounced: SOO-doh-gowt
Pseudogout is a type of arthritis that can affect any joint in the body. It occurs when calcium crystals, called calcium pyrophosphates, accumulate in the fluid surrounding joints. The accumulation of these crystals causes inflammation in the cartilage, the material that cushions the bone and allows for smooth joint movement. When this cartilage is weakened, there is swelling and pain in the affected joints, which can lead to chronic disability.
Pseudogout occurs most often in the knees, and can be very debilitating. It can also affect the joints in your wrists, hips, shoulders, elbows, ankles, toes, knuckles, and hands. Pseudogout usually affects only one joint at a time, but may uncommonly affect multiple joints simultaneously.
The condition is called pseudogout (pseudo means false or fake) because it produces symptoms that are similar to gout . However, pseudogout is caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals, and gout is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals. Gout also has a more severe disease course and often a worse prognosis.
It is important to correctly identify this condition as soon as possible because if left untreated, pseudogout can lead to chronic disability. Pseudogout is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor. The sooner pseudogout is treated, the more favorable the outcome. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor immediately.
Pseudogout occurs when calcium crystals, called calcium pyrophosphates, accumulate in the joints. The accumulation of these crystals causes swelling and pain. This swelling and pain may damage the cartilage in the joint.
It is not known what causes these calcium crystals to form. However, more crystal deposits are seen with advancing age, and genetic factors may play a role.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Anyone can develop pseudogout. However, the following factors increase your chances. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
Pseudogout especially affects the knee joints but can also affect joints of the wrists, shoulders, ankles, elbows, and hands.
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to pseudogout. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
Without treatment, attacks of pseudogout can last 5-12 days.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
To correctly identify and diagnose pseudogout, your doctor must analyze the type of crystals found in the fluid of the joint affected with pseudogout.
Treatment of pseudogout is a matter of managing the discomfort during active pseudogout episodes. There is no cure for pseudogout and nothing is available to dissolve the crystal deposits that already exist.
Without treatment the pain and discomfort of pseudogout will go away on its own within 5-12 days. However, with treatment, symptoms can be relieved within 24 hours.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Decreasing inflammation may slow the advance of joint deterioration.
It is important for you to protect your joints by giving them a rest.
There is no known way to prevent pseudogout.
To help reduce your chances of getting pseudogout or to stop the progression of the condition, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
American College of Rheumatology
http://www.rheumatology.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov
The Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Health Guide, British Columbia Ministry of Health
http://www.bchealthguide.org
The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca
References:
Beers MH, Berkow R.Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (Pseudogout). The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . Section 5, Chapter 55, Crystal-Induced Conditions. The Merck Manual website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section5/chapter55/55c.jsp . Accessed September 12, 2005.
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease (CPPD) (Pseudogout). The Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/cppd.asp . Accessed September 12, 2005.
Pseudogout. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/pseudogout_new.asp?aud=pat . Accessed September 12, 2005.
Pseudogout. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=40938B02-101F-43C1-8B895B005C6E0B2C . Accessed September 12, 2005.
Tenenbaum J. Inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions in older adults. Geriatrics Aging . 2005; 8(3):14-17.
What you need to know about pseudogout. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/arthritis/treat/facts/pseudogout.htm . Accessed on September 12, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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