title: Crystal-associated arthritis in the elderly.
abstract: Since the original descriptions of the involvement of crystals in arthritis, our understanding of the clinical syndromes of gout and pseudogout, and the role of basic calcium crystals in arthritis has increased. Gout is usually considered an affliction confined to middle-aged men, but has an increasing prevalence in older populations, with unique and often atypical features. Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease is common in elderly patients. The diagnosis of both of these common forms of arthritis and the need to individualize therapy in patients with other medical problems remain important clinical challenges to the practicing physician.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. cmwise@hsc.vcu.edu
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Wise
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000493:Allopurinol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005385:Fingers; D006073:Gout / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006074:Gout Suppressants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D033461:Hyperuricemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D006074:Gout Suppressants; D000493:Allopurinol