PseudoGout

Exam Cram

• Pseudogout: calcium crystallisation into joint

• Presentation: acute hot swollen painful joint

• Diagnosis; Joint aspirate- positively birefringent rhomboid crystals

• Management: 1. NSAIDs, 2. Colchicine

Outline 

Background

• Pseudogout: calcium crystalls causing inflammation within the joint

• Type of crystal-arthropathy with Gout 

Assessment

History 

• Hot swollen joint, acute

• PMH: Haemochromatosis , HyperParathyroidism, HypoPhosphataemia , HypoMagnasaemia 

Examination

• Monoarthropathy: swollen, tender

Investigations

• Raised CRP

• Knee aspirate: turbid, neutrophils- positive bifringemenet crystals

• XR: calcinosis

Diagnosis 

Diagnostic criteria: positively birefringent crystals

Differentials: Gout , Septic Arthritis 

Management

• Physio

• NSAIDs

Med Reg Notes

Presentation of chondrocalcinosis can be caused by Haemochromatosis. 

References and Resources

1. Jones AC, Chuck AJ, Arie EA, Green DJ, Doherty M. Diseases associated with calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 1992 Dec;22(3):188-202. doi: 10.1016/0049-0172(92)90019-a. PMID: 1295092.

Written in 2025.