Familial calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease. A Tunisian kindred.
BACKGROUND
Familial calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPDD) is uncommon, with about 50 affected families identified to date in the world. Genetic studies in familial CPDD are focusing on the ANKH gene. We report a new Tunisian kindred with CPDD.


METHODS
The development of CPDD in a patient who was only 35 years of age prompted a family study. A medical history, physical examination, and radiographs were performed in 103 family members older than 18 years.


RESULTS
Fifteen family members had CPDD. There were 10 men and five women, with a mean age of 59.4 years. Onset was usually in the third or fourth decade. Four clinical patterns were found: Five patients had pseudogout, five had pseudoosteoarthritis, three had asymptomatic disease, and two had pseudorheumatoid arthritis. Inheritance was autosomal dominant with low penetrance. No associations with specific HLA antigens were found. The disease was mild. These characteristics fit the description of Gaucher type 1 familial CPDD.


CONCLUSIONS
Inherited autosomal dominant CPDD with low penetrance was found in 15 members of a Tunisian kindred. The disease was mild. We are planning a genetic study including tests for ANKH gene mutations in this kindred.
Béjia
Ismail
I
Rheumatology Department, EPS Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia. bejia@lycos.com
Rtibi
Ismail
I
Touzi
Mongi
M
Zrour
Saoussen
S
Younes
Mohamed
M
Naceur
Bergaoui
B
D000328:Adult; D001175:Arthrography; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003078:Colchicine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005799:Genes, Dominant; D006225:Hand / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010375:Pedigree; D019683:Penetrance; D014416:Tunisia
D003078:Colchicine