Chondrocalcinosis Coincidental to Other Rheumatic Disease

Abstract

Articular chondrocalcinosis ("pseudogout" syndrome) appears to represent a fairly specific disease entity, characterized clinically by acute and chronic arthritis and pathologically by calcium crystals in synovial fluid, cartilage, and periarticular tissue structures.^1,2 McCarty suggested the term pseudogout for this syndrome, which at times may resemble acute gouty arthritis, and classified it as possible, probable, or definite depending on clinical, synovial fluid, and x-ray findings.³ Most investigators working in this field would agree, however, that the term pseudogout appears less than ideal in describing the various phases of the clinical spectrum associated with this disease.^4,5 The present report is a study of four cases of chondrocalcinosis which appear to represent asymptomatic chondrocalcinosis occurring coincidentally with and complicating the diagnosis of other rheumatic diseases. A suggested terminology characterizing more clearly the interrelationships of anatomic, synovial fluid, and clinical findings will be commented on. Report of Cases Case 1. —A