Pseudogout, more accurately known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), is a crystal arthropathy characterized by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in articular cartilage and soft tissues, leading to joint inflammation. It most commonly affects elderly individuals, especially over the age of 60, with a slight female predominance. Clinically, it often mimics gout or septic arthritis, and can present as acute monoarthritis or mimic chronic arthropathies like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The knee is the most frequently involved joint.
Definition
Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD): A crystal arthropathy caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. Chondrocalcinosis: Radiographic finding of cartilage calcification, often associated with CPPD. Pseudogout: Acute inflammatory arthritis due to CPPD, mimicking gout clinically. Crystal arthropathy: Joint disease resulting from deposition of crystals (e.g. monosodium urate in gout, CPPD in pseudogout).
Anatomy and Physiology
Aetiology and Risk Factors
Aetiology
Abnormal production or impaired breakdown of inorganic pyrophosphate
Enhanced crystal nucleation within cartilage matrix
Familial forms linked to ANKH gene mutation
Risk Factors
Advanced age (strongest risk factor)
Joint trauma or surgery (e.g. meniscectomy)
Osteoarthritis
Hemochromatosis
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypomagnesemia
Hypophosphatasia
Gitelman syndrome
Remember
Metabolic causes of pseudogout (Young person with pseudogout) can be remembered by “4H”: Hemochromatosis, Hyperparathyroidism, Hypomagnesemia, Hypophosphatasia.
CPPD crystals deposit in fibrocartilage and hyaline cartilage (especially menisci, articular surfaces)
Crystals are phagocytosed by synoviocytes and neutrophils → release of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α
Resultant neutrophilic synovitis mimics acute gout or septic arthritis
Chronic deposition can damage cartilage → joint degeneration and secondary osteoarthritis
Think
CPPD should be considered in older adults with new-onset monoarthritis or those with “OA in unusual joints” (e.g. radiocarpal, glenohumeral joints).
Clinical Manifestations
Acute monoarthritis (most common presentation)
Classically affects the knee (up to 50%), also wrist, shoulder, ankle, elbow
Sudden onset of pain, swelling, warmth, erythema
May mimic septic arthritis
Chronic CPPD arthropathy
Resembles osteoarthritis but with atypical joint involvement (e.g. MCPs, wrists, shoulders)
Pseudo-rheumatoid arthritis
Symmetrical polyarthritis with morning stiffness
Crowned dens syndrome
Acute neck pain, fever, restricted movement due to crystal deposition around odontoid process
Systemic symptoms: usually absent or mild, but fever can occur in acute flares
Triad (Crowned Dens Syndrome) Old person with acute neck pain, Fever, Restriction in cervical spine movement. Always rule out meningitis or fracture.
Diagnosis
Synovial fluid analysis
Rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent CPPD crystals under polarised light microscopy
Neutrophil-predominant fluid
Imaging
X-ray: chondrocalcinosis (calcified cartilage), joint space narrowing, osteophytes
Ultrasound: hyperechoic linear deposits within cartilage
Blood tests
May show mild inflammatory markers elevation (ESR/CRP)
Screen for metabolic risk factors (calcium, phosphate, magnesium, iron, PTH)
Remember
Chondrocalcinosis on imaging ≠ CPPD — it can be asymptomatic.
Gout vs Pseudogout
Feature
Gout
Pseudogout
Crystal
Monosodium urate
Calcium pyrophosphate
Shape
Needle
Rhomboid
Birefringence
Negative
Positive
Most common joint
1st MTP
Knee or wrist
Age
30–50
>60
Remember
Always consider hemochromatosis in young patients with pseudogout.
Remember
Always rule out septic arthritis before confirming pseudogout.
Treatment
Acute Attack: – NSAIDs (first-line if renal function intact) – Colchicine (low-dose, especially in recurrent attacks) – Intra-articular corticosteroids if monoarticular – Systemic corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone 10–30 mg/day) for polyarthritis or NSAID intolerance
Chronic/Recurrent
Prophylactic colchicine (0.5 mg once/twice daily): no real evidence
Discussion