Pseudogout

Gout Slideshow

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is pseudogout?
• What are symptoms of pseudogout?
• How does a doctor diagnose pseudogout?
• What are treatments for pseudogout?
• What other conditions can accompany pseudogout?
• Are there special circumstances that can promote attacks of pseudogout?
• Pseudogout At A Glance

What is pseudogout?

Pseudogout is a type of inflammation of joints (arthritis) that is caused by deposits of crystals, called calcium pyrophosphate, in and around the joints. Pseudogout literally means "false gout."

Pseudogout has many similarities to true gout, which also can cause arthritis. However, the crystal that incites the inflammation of gout is monosodium urate. The crystals that cause pseudogout and gout each have distinct appearances when joint fluid containing them is viewed under a microscope. This makes it possible to precisely identify the cause of the joint inflammation when joint fluid is available.

Pseudogout has been reported to occasionally coexist with gout. This means that the two types crystals can sometimes be found in the same joint fluid. Researchers have also noted that the cartilage of patients who had both forms of crystals in their joint fluid was often visibly calcified, as seen on x-ray images.

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