Pseudogout

1. What sort of crystals are seen in pseudogout?
*2. What disorders are associated with pseudogout?
3. What is the clinical presentation of pseudogout?
4. What are the radiologic findings in pseudogout?
5. What is the treatment of pseudogout?

Answers:
1. Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals with positive birefringence.
2. Hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hemochromatosis, amyloidosis, hypomagnesemia, hypophosphatemia.
3. Inflammation in one or more large joints (most commonly in the knee), symmetric, flexion contractures, less painful than gout, lasts ~2wks.
4. Punctate fine line of crystals in articular hyaline or fibrocartilage tissues.
5. NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and colchicine.