Distinction between Gout and Pseudo Gout

There is a difference between gout and pseudo-gout but most people are not aware of this difference. While gout is characterized by uric acid crystal's pseudo gout is characterized by crystals are made from calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. The pseudo gout is also called calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease or CPPD. There are many common misspellings of pseudo gout however every one of these variations refers to the same disease.

The reason people may be confused about gout and pseudo gout is because the symptoms are similar in nature. Both gout and pseudo gout are accompanied by fever and painful joints. They appear like joint injuries causing joint stiffness and inflammation as well as pain.

However, even though there are similarities in symptoms, there are clear differences as well.

•    Pseudo gout is caused by a different substance as opposed to the regular gout symptoms. The pseudo gout crystals can be seen on x-ray machine whereas doubt crystals cannot be seen on an x-ray machine although it is indeed possible to see the bones and joints that have been damaged by the disease. In order to diagnose the disease accurately the crystals have to be identified as either MSU crystals or pseudo gout crystals. The difference between these crystals is that gout crystals are needlessly whereas pseudo gout crystals are rhomboid shaped. This can be easily examined under a microscope.
•    Gout is a disease that is common in people between 40 to 60 years of age. However, it is more common in men than women who have not yet reached the age of menopause. With the pseudo gout, it is more likely to occur in individuals who are above the age of 65 years. In most of the cases, symptoms tend to get worse as the age increases.
•    There is also a difference in the way each of these attacks occurs. Gout attacks are quick and usually occur during the night and can get fully implemented within 24 hours whereas pseudo gout attacks take a longer time and are not as severe as gout attacks.
•     Gout is caused by excessive uric acid found in the body whereas pseudo gout does not have any particular cause. In other words the actual cause of pseudo gout is unknown. Gout commonly occurs or starts in one of the big toes on either foot whereas pseudo gout can start anywhere in the body especially in the knees but not in the big toe.