Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease, is also known as calcipyrophosphate dihydrate crystal dilution disease. Because pseudogout symptoms are often confused with gout, many of the symptoms in pseudogout look similar to gout. Both diseases are distinct, however, as the name implies. Pseudogout is caused when calcium pyrophosphate-dihydrate crystals build up in the fluids of joints and cartilage. The calcium pyrophosphate-dihydrate crystals can cause severe inflammation and painful manifestations.
Symptoms
The symptoms of pseudogout include tender and painful skin, stiffness, swelling, reddening skin, warmth, and tenderness. Other joint areas can be affected by the pain, such as the ankles and toes, knuckles or hips, elbows, elbows, shoulders, or even the ankles. The symptoms of gout are very similar to those of gout. The symptoms are similar to those of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. The most common symptoms of pseudogout include intense, intolerable pain in the joints, red, or purplish skin around the joint, and a warm sensation when the joint and affected area are touched.
The patient may feel intense pain when touching the affected areas or the soreness around the joints. Although the symptoms of pseudo gout can be similar to gout, their causes are quite different. Gout is caused when uric acid crystals buildup in the joints. However, pseudo gout is caused in part by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate (or CPP) crystals in the cartilage.
Crystals
The pseudogout attack is caused by crystals accumulating in the joints. The symptoms of pseudogouts may be confused with other diseases. It is important to properly diagnose the condition. Sometimes, blood tests are necessary to diagnose the disease. However, a blood test does not provide sufficient information to diagnose the condition. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor must examine the fluid from the affected joints.
The fluid will reveal the presence of calcium pyrophosphate crystals under a microscope. The treatment for pseudogout is the same as that for gout. The only exception is the medication that is given in the pseudogout to lower the blood level of uric acids. In the case of pseudogout, proper treatment can provide relief within 24 hours. Proper treatment and the proper medication should be directed at preventing the attack from returning.