Chondrocalcinosis
Chondrocalcinosis Characteristics and Features
CPPD is a disease that causes inflammation of different joints in the body. Crystals tend to develop in the joints and is diagnosed after having joint fluids observed under a microscope, and the ones found in the cartilage is called chondrocalcinosis. These crystals show weakly positive birefringence when exposed to polarized light. The asymptomatic produce of the disease can be found in joint capsules, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. The most common areas where chondrocalcinosis develops are the wrists, elbows, hips and knees.
Chondrocalcinosis Definition
Chondrocalcinosis is a kind of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) is rheumatologic condition due to the development of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in the tissues.
Chondrocalcinosis Implications
Chondrocalcinosis can cause crystal-induced synovitis due to the shedding of crystals in the space once occupied by a CPPD deposit. Other medical problems brought about by chondrocalcinosis are hyperparathyroidism, hemochromatosis, hypophophatemia, and renal osteodystrophy. Chondrocalcinosis is one of the three manifestations of CPPD. The other two include pyrophosphate arthropathy and crystal induced synovitis.
Chondrocalcinosis Treatment
The main objective of treating chondrocalcinosis is by preventing the spread of crystals in the joints. The effects of the disease can no longer be reversed, but the other diseases related to it can be cured. Symptomatic joints meanwhile are treated with methods similar to treating gout. Magnesium supplements are also prescribed to the patient because pyrophosphate results to magnesium deficiency.