Definition

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD) is a build up of calcium crystals in the joints. These crystals cause inflammation in the joints, which causes arthritis like conditions known as:

• Pseudoosteoarthritis
• Pseudogout
• Pseudorheumatoid arthritis

Over time the inflammation can cause damage to the tissue inside the joint and lead to pain and chronic disability. CPPD can be managed with medical care.

Arthritis of the Knee Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

It is not known what causes these calcium pyrophosates to form, but genetics appears to play a role.

Risk Factors    TOP

Increasing age is the most common factor that may increase your chance of getting CPPD. Other factors include:

• Family members with CPPD
• Previous joint damage
• Osteoarthritis
• Hypothyroidism —an underactive thyroid
• Hemochromatosis —excess iron storage
• Overactive parathyroid glands
• Hypercalcemia—excess calcium in the blood
• Low magnesium levels in the blood

Symptoms    TOP

In most cases, CPPD does not lead to symptoms. Symptoms may come and go in acute attacks called flare-ups.

Pseudoosteoarthritis symptoms are the most common type, especially in the knee. Symptoms may be on both sides of the body, but are generally worse on one side. Pseudoosteoarthritis may cause:

• Joint degeneration that worsens over time
• Joint misalignment and deformity
• Periodic swelling may be seen in chronic cases

Pseudogout symptoms occur more frequently in the knee, but can occur in other joints as well. There may be periods of time when there are no symptoms. Attacks of pseudogout may be spontaneous, or may be brought on by surgery, or illness. Pseudogout may cause:

• Sudden, intense pain in one joint
• Warmth, redness, and swelling
• Fever
• Joint damage from the breakdown of cartilage, which can lead to chronic pain

Pseudorheumatoid arthritis symptoms occur least frequently and affect both sides of the body. Pseudorheumatoid arthritis may cause:

• Joint swelling
• Morning stiffness in the joints
• Fatigue
• Joint deformities

Diagnosis    TOP

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests can be used to diagnose CPPD, or to rule out other conditions.

Tests may include:

• Synovial fluid analysis on the affected joint
• Blood tests—to rule out other conditions
• Imaging tests such as:
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound

Treatment    TOP

There is no cure for CPPD and nothing is available to dissolve the crystal deposits that already exist.

Treatment of CPPD is focused on managing the discomfort during flare-ups. Without treatment, the pain and discomfort of CPPD will go away on its own within days to weeks.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Rest, ice, and elevation may help relieve some pain. Other treatment options may include:

Procedures

Additional procedures may be needed if home care and medications are not effective. Additional procedures may include:

• Corticosteroid shots—injected directly into the affected joint to decrease inflammation
• Arthrocentesis—to remove excess fluid and crystals
• Surgery—to repair or replace any damaged joints

Steroids Injected into Joint Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prevention    TOP

There are no current guidelines to prevent CPPD because the cause is not clear.