Crystal arthritis

Crystal arthritis Main page
Patient Information Gout (patient information) Pseudogout (patient information)
Overview
Causes
Classification Gout Pseudogout
Differentiating Gout from Pseudogout

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Ganti M.B.B.S. [2]

Overview

Crystal induced arthritis is a relatively common condition that involves deposition of crystals in joints and soft tissues. A variety of crystals can deposit in and around joints and soft tissues, resulting in articular and periarticular inflammation. Monosodium urate (MSU) and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) are the most commonly involved crystals in the pathogenesis of crystal induced arthropathies. Other rare types of crystal arthropathy include hydroxyapatite crystal deposition arthropathy. Gout and pseudo-gout manifest with similar symptoms, and cannot be distinguished clinically. Synovial fluid analysis the involved joint is essential to diagnose and differentiation of crystal induced arthropathies.