Pyrophosphate arthropathy — a literature review

Joint diseases associated with calcium pyrophosphate crystals (calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease, CPPD) are classified as crystallopathies. They clinically present as chondrocalcinosis, acute or chronic arthritis. The main risk factors are age, injuries and degenerative changes in the joints. One or more joints may be affected. Knees, wrists and shoulders are the most commonly affected joints. CPPD may be primary or secondary, and may be associated with hemochromatosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, and hypomagnesemia. Treatment is mainly symptomatic, most commonly using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, or glucocorticoids