Causes and risk factors
It is caused due to deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals [CPP] in the joints. Severe illnesses, injury, trauma result into release of CPP crystals from the cartilage into the joint. The exact cause for deposition of CPP crystals in the cartilage is not known. Other diseases associated with pseudogout are osteoarthritis, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia and renal osteodystrophy. Pseudogout is mostly seen in older individuals.
Clinical presentation
Knee joint and wrist are commonly affected by pseudogout. Pain, swelling, warmth on touch, stiffness are some of the presenting features. It may be associated with osteoarthritis affecting one or more joints. No particular food intake modality is seen as in gout.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the orthopaedic doctor helps in diagnosis. Routine blood tests, X ray of the joint, MRI, CT scan help in further evaluation. USG of the joint also reveals some signs of pseudogout. Arthrocentesis [examination of synovial fluid from affected joint] help in detecting presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals.
Treatment
Medications like Analgesics, NSAIDs, colchicine, Intra articular steroid injections, help in treating acute pseudogout. Fluid tapping is done in case of accumulation of fluid in the joint.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating pseudogout. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating pseudogout.
Recent updates
Researchers are working on the surgical removal of crystals present in joint in pseudogout as a line of treatment.
Facts and figures
It affects people of older age group. Women are at higher risk than men.
