It is sparked by deposits of calcium phosphate crystals in the joints and has similar characteristics togout.
A CPPD attack can occur suddenly and cause intense pain, inflammation, and disability.
This article discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease.
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Not everyone who develops CPPD crystal will experience symptoms.
CPPD attacks may be triggered by a severe illness, surgery, trauma, or extreme overexertion.
What Causes CPPD?
It is not known what causes the abnormal deposits of calcium crystals in joints.
Factors that may play a role in the development of CPPD include:
How Is CPPD Diagnosed?
What Is the Best Treatment for CPPD?
Treatment, therefore, is focused on alleviation of symptoms and avoidance of future attacks.
The symptoms of CPPD are similar to other forms of arthritis.
CPPD is diagnosed through imaging and aspirating fluid from the joint to check for calcium crystals.
There is no cure, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and avoiding future flare-ups.
Arthritis Foundation.Calcium pyrophosphate deposition.
Cowley S, McCarthy G.Diagnosis and Treatment of Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition (CPPD) Disease: A Review.
2023 Mar 22;15:33-41. doi: 10.2147/OARRR.S389664
UpToDate.Patient education: calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (beyond basics).
American College of Rheumatology.Calcium pyrophosphate deposition.
American College of Rheumatology.
“Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition (CPPD).”
Atlanta, Georgia; updated March 2017.
