Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD)

Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD) is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain and swelling. It happens when tiny crystals made of calcium pyrophosphate build up in the cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions joints. This buildup can lead to episodes of joint inflammation, often mistaken for arthritis. The most commonly affected joints are the knees, wrists, and hips. People with CPPD may experience sudden attacks of joint pain, stiffness, and redness. Over time, the joint damage can become chronic, leading to decreased mobility. Understanding this condition helps explain why some joint pains flare up unexpectedly.

Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD) is characterized by the pathological deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals within articular cartilage and other joint tissues. This crystal deposition triggers an inflammatory response, leading to acute or chronic arthritis. The disease is often associated with aging, metabolic disorders such as hemochromatosis and hyperparathyroidism, or joint trauma. CPPD can present as acute pseudogout attacks, chronic arthropathy resembling osteoarthritis, or asymptomatic chondrocalcinosis visible on imaging. The hallmark of CPPD is the presence of rhomboid-shaped, weakly positively birefringent crystals in synovial fluid. The condition is clinically significant due to its potential to cause joint damage and mimic other arthritides, complicating diagnosis and management.