Hi there! Thank you for your question. Before explain the similarities and differences before gout and pseudogout, allow me to explain what they are first. Both gout and pseudogout are forms of sudden joint pain and joint swelling. Gout is syndrome caused by the inflammatory response to tissue deposition of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in the joint cartilage.

Monosodium urate crystals (MSU) also known as uric acid crystals, will trigger an inflammatory response resulting in the pain and swelling. Pseudogout which is also known as Calcium pyrophosphate Crystal Deposition Disease (CPPD) is the syndrome secondary to the calcium pyrophosphate in the joints. Gout occurs due to excessive amount of uric acid in the body known as hyperuricemia.

Pseudogout occurs due to excessive calcium in the body known as hypercalcemia. These two diseases present very similarly. The symptoms of an acute gout/pseudogout attack are sudden, severe joint pain, redness, swelling, tenderness of the joint (pain upon touch), joint may feel quite warm to the touch and progressive gout can cause bone destruction and deformity.

When someone has many attacks over years, tophaceous gout can develop. This means that large amounts of uric acid crystals have accumulated into masses called tophi and it deposits on the joints. The joint that are affected most of the time are the toes, knee, wrist, shoulder and elbow. Pseudogout is less common than gout and other forms of arthritis but is often misdiagnosed as gout.

The diagnosis is confirmed with the synovial fluid analysis (fluid of the joints). Using special microscopes, the crystal can be identified as they vary in shape and properties. A diagnosis can also be made the presence of calcium deposits in X-rays. In about 5% of patients, gout and pseudogout can co-exist.

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