Which statement best describes CPPD deposition disease?

Which statement best describes CPPD deposition disease?

• A. It can involve the shoulder and MCP joints and calcifications are seen on imaging
• B. It can involve the shoulder and MCP joints, with chondrocalcinosis seen on imaging
• C. It is caused by bacterial infection
• D. It never involves the MCP joints

Answer: (B)

CPPD deposition disease is a crystal arthropathy where calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals deposit in joint cartilage and periarticular structures. The radiographic hallmark is chondrocalcinosis—calcification within articular cartilage or menisci—that can be seen in joints such as the shoulder and the MCPs. Thus, the statement that correctly describes CPPD is the one noting involvement of the shoulder and MCP joints with chondrocalcinosis on imaging. It is not caused by bacterial infection, and MCP joints can indeed be involved, so those other descriptions are inaccurate.

CPPD deposition disease is a crystal arthropathy where calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals deposit in joint cartilage and periarticular structures. The radiographic hallmark is chondrocalcinosis—calcification within articular cartilage or menisci—that can be seen in joints such as the shoulder and the MCPs. Thus, the statement that correctly describes CPPD is the one noting involvement of the shoulder and MCP joints with chondrocalcinosis on imaging. It is not caused by bacterial infection, and MCP joints can indeed be involved, so those other descriptions are inaccurate.