Pyrophosphate arthropathy

Pyrophosphate Arthropathy also known as Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD) is a type of arthritis caused by the deposition of crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate in the joints. It is a common cause of acute and chronic arthritis, and can also cause destructive arthropathy, known as pseudogout.

Etiology

The exact cause of pyrophosphate arthropathy is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to an abnormality in the metabolism of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's energy currency, into adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). This results in an excess of PPi, which can combine with calcium to form crystals that deposit in the joints.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pyrophosphate arthropathy can vary greatly, but typically include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The knees are the most commonly affected joints, but the wrists, shoulders, ankles, elbows, and hands can also be involved. In some cases, the disease can cause severe joint damage, leading to a condition known as pseudogout.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pyrophosphate arthropathy is typically made based on the presence of characteristic crystals in joint fluid, which can be seen under a microscope. Other diagnostic tests may include X-ray imaging, which can show characteristic changes in the joints, and blood tests to rule out other causes of arthritis.

Treatment

Treatment for pyrophosphate arthropathy is primarily aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing further joint damage. This may include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or colchicine to reduce inflammation and pain. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

See Also

• Arthritis
• Gout
• Pseudogout
• Rheumatology

Rheumatologic diseases

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases

Rheumatology and	Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis	Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases	Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases	Behçet’s disease
Bursitis	Giant cell arteritis
Gout	Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems	Lupus
Osteoarthritis	Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis	Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis	Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome	Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis	Rheumatologic diseases