Pseudogout Symptoms and Causes of Pseudogout

Pseudogout Symptoms and Causes of Pseudogout
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Pseudogout, also referred to as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, is a type of arthritis that often results in painful, sudden swelling affecting a single joint or several joints. These episodes may occur for just a few days, or for weeks at a time. Older adults are most commonly affected and the knee is the most commonly affected joint. Pseudogout symptoms may vary among patients.

Causes

Why the CPPD crystals that cause this condition form is not known, but this does seem to be related to aging. Joint trauma may cause this condition, such as surgery or an injury to the affected joint. Certain medical conditions may also be responsible.

Acromegaly affects approximately six of every 100,000 adults. It is classified as a metabolic disorder in which the body tissues gradually enlarge and too much growth hormone is present. A benign pituitary gland tumor is typically responsible for the increased growth hormone release.

Hemochromatosis is a condition that occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is absorbing too much iron, resulting in too much iron being present in the body. The primary type is genetic and in the United States, it is the most common genetic disorder. The secondary version is usually caused by a disease.

Ochronosis, also referred to as alkaptonuria, is a rare condition. It is characterized by the urine becoming a dark brownish-black color when the patient’s urine is exposed to air. An HGD gene defect is responsible for this condition.

Thyroid diseases may cause pseudogout. The four main types of thyroid disease include hyperthyroidism, benign thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer. Parathyroid disease may also cause this condition. The thyroid produces the thyroid hormone that works with the metabolism. When there is too much or too little of this hormone a variety of symptoms may occur.

Wilson disease is a rare disorder that is inherited. It is characterized by having too much copper in the tissues. Liver damage and nervous system damage occur because of the excess copper. The organs affected by the excess copper can stop working properly. Copper may deposit in the liver, kidneys, brain, and eyes.

Symptoms

Between attacks, no symptoms are present in most cases. Long-term arthritis can result from this conditions. The symptoms of pseudogout most often include joint pain attacks, and joint swelling due to fluid accumulating in the joint. The affected joint may be warm and swollen, and severe joint pain is possible.

Joint damage is also possible with this condition. Cysts may develop on the affected joint, as well as cartilage loss and bone spurs. If damage is furthered, fractures may occur.

Resources

MayoClinic.com. (2010). Pseudogout. Retrieved on November 20, 2010 from MayoClinic.com: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pseudogout/DS00717

MedlinePlus. (2010). Pseudogout. Retrieved on November 20, 2010 from MedlinePlus: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000421.htm