Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease: The role of imaging in their detection and in differential diagnosis of crystal arthropathies

Abstract

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease is characterized by the deposition of pyrophosphate crystals in various joint structures. Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease can be linked to underlying metabolic disorders such as hemochromatosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypothyroidism, all of which increase the risk of calcium pyrophosphate deposition. We present the case of a 55-year-old male who underwent diagnostic examination for the onset of recurrent joint pain in the right knee.

Keywords: CPPD; CT; Chondrocalcinosis; Imaging arthropathy; Pseudogout; US.

Fig. 1

US exam. (a) Synovial hypertrophy (arrow), (b) point hypergenic deposits in the synovium (circle) and (c) hypergenic linear deposits in the meniscus (circle) CT exam. (d) Coronal plane hyperdense lineal deposits in fibrous meniscus (arrow), (e) axial plane hyperdense pinpoint deposits in hyaline cartilage (arrow and circle) and (f) sagittal plane hyperdense linear deposits in meniscus (circle). (g) RX exam AP-LL. (f) Linear deposits in the fibrous meniscus (arrow).