Caption

Example of pseudogout affecting the joints of a hand. Pseudogout is a form of arthritis which results from the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in a joint. Pseudogout is very similar to gout but is caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals. Joints affected by pseudogout are red, swollen and extremely tender. Pain may be very intense and sometimes accompanied by a mild fever. Treatments include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If these fail a cortisteroid drug may be injected into the affected joints. The underlying cause of pseudogout is unknown.