Pseudogout

Alternative names:

calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease; CPPD

Definition:

A joint disease that may include intermittent attacks of arthritis.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Pseudogout results when calcium pyrophosphate crystals collect in joints. There may be attacks of joint swelling and pain in the knee, wrist, ankle and other joints. It affects primarily the elderly. The disease may mimic gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis.