[Chondrocalcinosis]

Chondrocalcinosis refers to deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals within cartilage or fibrocartilage, as visualised on plain radiograph. Clinical features of chondrocalcinosis are various. The two common presentations of chondrocalcinosis are acute synovitis (pseudogout) and chronic arthritis, which can lead to a severe disability. Sporadic form of the disease is by far the most frequent. Aging is the main risk factor for the occurrence of sporadic chondrocalcinosis. Prevalence of chondrocalcinosis varies from 7 to 10% in people aged around 60 years old. A primary metabolic disorder or familial predisposition should be considered if chondrocalcinosis occurs in patients younger than 60 years. There is good evidence that hereditary hemochromatosis, hyperparathyroidism and hypomagnesemia are metabolic disorders that predispose to secondary chondrocalcinosis.