Pseudogout

In pseudo-gout, crystals of calcium pyrophosphate or similar chemicals are deposited in joints, causing attacks of pain and stiffness. Usually, a single joint is affected. The most common sites are the knee and wrist, but crystals may be deposited in any joint. Although the process of formation and deposition of the crystals may start earlier, symptoms are less common before the age of 60.


In most people, the cause of pseudo-gout in unknown, although attacks may be triggered by surgery, infection or injury. Pseudo-gout is often associated with other joint disorders, particularly osteoarthritis. Pseudo-gout may also be linked hyperparathyroidism (tăng năng tuyến cận giáp), a hormonal condition that leads to high blood levels of calcium or haemochromatosis (nhiễm sắc tố sắt), a disorder in which the body is overloaded with iron. Pseudo-gout is more common in women and may run in families.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are similar to those of gout. Attacks may cause:

- Severe pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness of the affected joint.
- Mild fever.

Some people have no pain between attacks, while others experience persistent pain and stiffness.

What might be done?

If your doctor suspects pseudo-gout, he or she may arrange for X-rays of the affected joint. You may also need joint aspiration, in which fluid is removed from a joint for analysis and to relieve swelling.

The symptoms of pseudo-gout may relieved by simply removing fluid from the affected joint. In severe cases, a corticosteroid drug may be injected directly into the joint during the same procedure. You may also need nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Once treatment starts, symptoms usually clear up within 48 hours.

There is no cure for pseudo-gout, but if the underlying cause is treated many people lead normal lives. Physiotherapy can help to increase joint mobility and muscle strength.