Healthcommunities.com

Home Health Topics Health Reports Learning Centers Find a Doctor

Home » Pseudogout » Diagnosis

Pseudogout

PSEUDOGOUT
Overview
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Living with Pseudogout
One Person Story: Halt to the Good Old Days
Stay Updated
Join Our Forum


Diagnosis

A diagnosis of pseudogout is based on physical symptoms and medical tests. Other conditions (e.g., injury, infection, rheumatoid arthritis) must be ruled out. To confirm the diagnosis, the physician inserts a needle into the joint to obtain a sample of joint fluid, which is then analyzed under a microscope. Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals have specific characteristics, including shape and color, upon microscopic evaluation. Evaluation of the joint fluid may also show an increased level of white blood cells. In pseudogout, however, this level is not high enough to indicate joint infection.

X-rays of the affected joints can be used to detect complications caused by pseudogout (e.g., calcification of cartilage, joint degeneration). Standard x-rays include images of the knees, pelvis, wrists, and hands.


  • « Signs and Symptoms
  • Treatment, Prevention »

  • Physician-developed and -monitored.
    Original Date of Publication: 01 Jun 2006
    Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
    Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007

    © 1998-2010 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Healthcommunities.com

    This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
    verify here.


    This page last modified: 22 Jan 2008

    MediZine's Healthy Living™ Remedy® Diabetes Focus® MDMinute® Remedy®