Pseudo Gout

Pseudo gout is a type of arthritis in which crystals of calcium pyrophosphate or similar chemicals are deposited in  joints, these deposits cause pain and stiffness. It is usual in this type of gout for only a single joint to be affected, the most common being the knee and wrist, however these crystals may be found in any joint.

This condition may develop over a long period and it may be years before symptoms manifest often not before 60.Although the exact cause of pseudogout is not known, attacks may be triggered by surgery, trauma or infection.Most people fail to show evidence of any underlying disease, although it may occur with osteoarthritis, or may be linked to hyperparathyroidism, this latter condition causes high blood levels of calcium, at times it may be associated with haemochromatosis, a disorder in which the body is overloaded with iron.Pseudogout occurs more commonly in females, and may tend to run in certain families.

It's symptoms are similar to those of normal gout,  the attacks cause severe pain, swelling, redness and stiffness, and may be accompanied by a mild fever. Unlike normal gout which comes and goes, in some cases of pseudogout the pain and stiffness may be long lasting.

The synovial fluid contains numerous leukocytes and calcium pyrophosphate crystals, these crystals are easily distinguished from the needle-like  urate crystals found in gout, for they are much shorter and rhomboid in shape.

The clinical presentation is similar to that of normal gout, however, the onset is much slower, and it's course is much milder. NSAIDs are the usual mode of treatment, sometimes intra-articular steroid injections may be effective. Read more:Tophaceous Gout