Crystal arthropathy refers to a type of arthropathy characterized by accumulation of crystals in joints. Polarizing microscopy and application of other crystallographic techniques have improved identification of different microcrystals including monosodium urate, calcium-pyrophosphate dihydrate, calcium hydroxyapatite, and calcium oxalate.
Types include:
Name | Substance | Birefringence |
---|---|---|
Gout | accumulation of uric acid | negative |
Chondrocalcinosis aka Pseudogout | accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate | positive |
Read more about Crystal Arthropathy: Risk Factors, Causes, Differential Diagnosis
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