How is chondrocalcinosis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of CCAL2 is based on a clinical evaluation that includes a thorough patient history and specialized laboratory tests. In one test, fluid is removed from an affected joint (synovial fluid). The presence of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in this fluid confirms the diagnosis of articular chondrocalcinosis.

What do you do for chondrocalcinosis?

Resting the joint for a day or two might help reduce inflammation, pain, and other symptoms. Elevating the affected joint is also helpful. If your knee has been affected by chondrocalcinosis, placing your foot on a footrest or lying down with your foot propped may reduce pain and other symptoms.

What is the difference between chondrocalcinosis and Chondrocalcinosis 2?

Chondrocalcinosis 2 is actually a familial form of chondrocalcinosis (also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease or CPPD), which is caused by a similar buildup of CPP crystals but is associated with the aging process. Chondrocalcinosis 2 is caused by changes in the ANKH gene.

Is chondrocalcinosis the same as osteoarthritis?

Chondrocalcinosis is associated with osteoarthritis (OA) (1) and several studies have found an association between the presence of CPP crystals in synovial fluid and radiographic severity of OA (2, 3).

What does chondrocalcinosis of the knee mean?

Chondrocalcinosis, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, is a rheumatic disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of calcium crystals in the cartilage of joints. The knee is the area that is most often affected by this disease, although it is also common in other joints and bone areas.

How do you get chondrocalcinosis?

What are the causes of chondrocalcinosis? Injuries that deteriorate collagen and other cartilage proteins, such as repetitive micro trauma can lead to excess calcium crystal deposition. Older people are those who have a genetic predisposition for developing the condition are more at risk.

What is chondrocalcinosis in knee joint?

Chondrocalcinosis is defined as mineralization of hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage related to deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals and is most commonly observed in the menisci of the knee.

What conditions produce chondrocalcinosis?

Causes

  • Excess stores of iron (hemochromatosis)
  • Overactive parathyroid (hyperparathyroidism)
  • A severely underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Low levels of magnesium in the blood (hypomagnesemia)
  • Excess calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).

Is Chondrocalcinosis a form of arthritis?

CPDD is a common, often un-recognized form of acute and chronic arthritis. It usually affects patients over age 60 [1,2], and occurs as a result of calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal deposition in articular hyaline and fibro-cartilage. Radiographically, CPP crystal deposition is seen as chondrocalcinosis (Figs.

Is Chondrocalcinosis reversible?

CPPD crystal deposition cannot be reversed. If CPPD results from underlying metabolic abnormalities (hyperparathyroidism, hemochromatosis, hypophosphatasia, or hypomagnesemia), these can be treated directly. Treatment is similar to the treatment of gout.