National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Crystal arthropathies


Not a rare disease Not a rare disease

Crystal arthropathies are a diverse group of bone diseases associated with the deposition of minerals within joints and the soft tissues around the joints. The group includes gout, basic calcium phosphate and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition diseases, and, in very rare cases, calcium oxalate crystal arthropathy which is a rare cause of arthritis characterized by deposition of calcium oxalate crystals within synovial fluid and typically occurs in patients with underlying primary or secondary hyperoxaluria. These crystals are responsible for different rheumatic syndromes, including acute or chronic synovial inflammation and cartilage degeneration. Treatment depends on the specific condition.[1][2]
Last updated: 10/1/2015

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  1. Fuerst M, Zustin J & Rüther W. Crystal arthropathies. Pathologe. 2011 May;. May, 2011; 32(3):193-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21512754. Accessed 10/1/2015.
  2. Lorenz EC, Michet CJ, Milliner DS & Lieske JC. Update on oxalate crystal disease. Curr Rheumatol Rep. July, 2013; 15(7):340. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3710657/. Accessed 10/1/2015.
  3. Pascart T, Richette P & Flipo RM. Treatment of Nongout Joint Deposition Diseases: An Update. Arthritis. 2014; 2014:Article ID 375202. http://www.hindawi.com/journals/arthritis/2014/375202/. Accessed 10/3/2015.