Pseudogout

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Shoulder joint inflammation

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease; CPPD disease

• Attacks of joint pain and fluid accumulation in the joint, leading to joint swelling
• No symptoms between attacks
• Chronic (long-term) arthritis

• An examination of joint fluid would show white blood cells and calcium pyrophosphate crystals.
• Joint x-rays may show joint damage, calcification of cartilage, and calcium deposits in joint spaces.

Careful workup, with analysis of crystals found in joints, should ultimately lead to the correct diagnosis. Fortunately, because most conditions involving joint pain are treated by the same medicines (such as steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), early misdiagnosis does not necessarily result in inappropriate treatment.

Review Date: 08/22/2006
Reviewed By: Lisa Christopher-Stine, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University,Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.