Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease without chondrocalcinosis

The pseudogout syndrome is usually associated with radiographic evidence of articular cartilage calcification. Eight patients who had joints containing calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals were studied. Extensive radiographic evaluation was obtained in seven patients and a limited evaluation in the other. None had evidence of chondrocalcinosis. Six had distinctive radiographic abnormalities of the wrists consisting of radiocarpal joint space narrowing and sclerosis, and subchondral cystic degeneration of the carpal bones. We conclude that calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease and pseudogout can occur without radiographic evidence of chondrocalcinosis and that the diagnosis can be suggested by characteristic radiographic abnormalities of the wrists.