The key difference between pseudogout and gout is that pseudogout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints, while gout is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints.
Pseudogout and gout are two types of arthritis. Both these conditions are caused by the accumulation of crystals in the joints. Moreover, these conditions may have similar symptoms, such as joint pain. Both can be treated through specific medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Pseudogout
3. What is Gout
4. Similarities – Pseudogout and Gout
5. Pseudogout vs Gout in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Pseudogout vs Gout
What is Pseudogout?
Pseudogout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints. This condition causes spontaneous painful swelling in the joints. Pseudogout occurs when crystals form in the synovial fluid. This is the fluid that lubricates the joints. This leads to inflammation in the joints. Pseudogout usually affects the joints in the knee, but it can affect other joints as well. This condition is more common in adults over the age of 60. Moreover, pseudogout often runs in families, so it is a genetic condition. Other risk factors for pseudogout are hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, excess iron, hypercalcemia, and magnesium deficiency. The symptoms associated with pseudogout include bouts of pain in the joints, swelling in the affected joints, fluid buildup in the affected joints, and chronic inflammation.
Figure 01: Pseudogout
Pseudogout can be diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, analysis of fluid in the joints, MRI scan, CT scan, and ultrasound. Furthermore, treatment options for pseudogout may include draining the fluid in the joints, medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicines, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, and surgery to repair and replace joints.
What is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused due to the accumulation of urate (uric acid) crystals in the joints. Gout affects the joints in the toes and feet. However, it can affect other joints in the body as well. The symptoms of gout may include intense pain, discolouration, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and warmth in the affected joint area. Gout is caused by genetics, environmental factors, and hyperuricemia. Moreover, risk factors for this condition include overweight or obesity, congestive heart failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and blood cancer.
Figure 02: Gout
Gout can be diagnosed through physical examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI scan, CT scan, blood test, and joint aspiration. Furthermore, treatment options for gout may include medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicines, corticosteroids, drugs that reduce uric acids such as allopurinol, febuxostat, pegloticase, probenecid, low purine diet, draining the fluid, and surgery to replace joints.
What are the Similarities Between Pseudogout and Gout?
- Pseudogout and gout are two types of arthritis.
- Both these conditions are caused by the accumulation of crystals in the joints.
- Moreover, they can be caused by genetics and environmental conditions.
- They may show similar symptoms, such as joint pain and swelling.
- Both these conditions can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging scans.
- They can be treated with medications and surgeries.
What is the Difference Between Pseudogout and Gout?
Pseudogout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints, while gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints. Thus, this is the key difference between pseudogout and gout. Furthermore, pseudogout is a less common condition, while gout is a more common condition.
The below infographic presents the differences between pseudogout and gout in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Pseudogout vs Gout
Pseudogout and gout are two types of arthritis occurring due to the accumulation of crystals in the joints. These conditions may show similar symptoms, such as joint pain and swelling. However, pseudogout is caused by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints, while gout is caused by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints. So, this summarizes the difference between pseudogout and gout.
Reference:
1. “How Do I Know If My Joint Pain Is Gout?” Cleveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Pseudogout – very high mag” By Nephron – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Gout Signs and Symptoms” By Scientific Animations (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia