Everything about Chondrocalcinosis totally explained
Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (
CPPD) is a
rheumatologic disorder with varied clinical manifestations due to precipitation of
calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in the connective tissues. It is more commonly known by alternative names that specify certain clinical or radiographic findings, although neither is synonymous with CPPD.
Pseudogout refers to the clinically evident acute
synovitis with red, tender, and swollen joints that may resemble
gouty arthritis (a similar condition with joint deposition of monosodium
urate crystals).
Chondrocalcinosis Statistically, the
interphalangeal joints are the most commonly affected.
Hyperparathyroidism,
hemochromatosis,
hypophosphatemia and renal
osteodystrophy are often also associated with chondrocalcinosis.
In general, the
white blood cell count is raised
. Rarely, patients may also present with signs of
carpal tunnel syndrome.
Diagnosis
Radiography has a large role to play in the diagnosis of chondrocalcinosis with
radiographs,
CT scans,
MRIs,
ultrasound and
nuclear medicine all having a part.
CT scans and MRIs show calcific masses (usually within the
ligamentum flavum or joint capsule) however radiography is more successful.
As with most conditions, chondrocalcinosis can present with similarity to other diseases such as
Ankylosing spondylitis or
Gout.
Treatment
Treatment for asymptomatic chondrocalcinosis isn't advised to prevent end-organ damage.
For
acute pseudogout, intra-articular corticosteroid injection, systemic corticosteroids,
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or occasionally, high-dose
colchicine.
NSAIDs are generally administered in low doses to help prevent chondrocalcinosis, however in an acute attack is already occurring, higher doses are administered.
Research into surgical removal of calcifications is underway, however this still remains an experimental procedure.
Epidemiology
All cultural races are affected by CPDD, and in the United States around 50% of the population over 85 years of age are affected.
Morbidity is the primary result of CPDD, although mortality is never experienced from the disease itself.
Females are at a slightly larger risk than men, with an estimated ratio of occurrence of 1.4:1 respectively.
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