Chondrocalcinosis: Advances in Diagnostic Imaging

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) arises from calcium pyrophosphate deposition throughout the body, leading to different clinical syndromes that may be diagnosed using various imaging modalities. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent updates in the imaging of CPPD.

Conventional radiography remains the initial test when imaging CPPD; but musculoskeletal ultrasound and conventional computed tomography (CT) may also assist in diagnosing and characterizing CPP deposits, with increased sensitivity. Dual-energy CT is also being used to differentiate CPP crystals from other crystal deposition diseases. CPP discitis has been diagnosed with MRI, but MRI has lower sensitivity and specificity than the aforementioned imaging studies in CPPD diagnosis. Assorted imaging modalities are increasingly used to diagnose CPPD involving atypical joints, avoiding invasive procedures. Each modality has its advantages and disadvantages. Future imaging may be able to provide more utility than what is currently available.