Diagnosis

Diagnosing pseudogout can be tricky because it can resemble gout, infection or other causes of joint inflammation. Also, pseudogout commonly is associated with other joint problems. Therefore, it is important that even when pseudogout is identified, other causes of joint trouble also are considered.

X-rays may reveal calcium deposits along the affected joints, although many healthy elderly people have similar findings on X-rays without the inflammation of pseudogout. Because a joint infection or other joint disease can cause similar symptoms and findings, doctors often will recommend that joint fluid be removed from an inflamed joint and analyzed for CPPD crystals, as well as for evidence of gout crystals, inflammation or infection. Your doctor also may want to do tests for other conditions that can trigger pseudogout. These may include tests of iron, calcium and thyroid function.

Expected Duration

Attacks of pseudogout can last for days or weeks. If the condition is not diagnosed, it can cause the joint to degenerate (break down).