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A radiologist notes the presence of fine, radiographically dense crystals in the tissues of a knee
joint. This patient most likely has which of the following types of arthropathy?

A. Gonococcal arthritis

B. Gouty arthritis

C. Osteoarthritis

D. Pseudogout

E. Rheumatoid arthritis

b?

d..

d??

d...............

The correct answer is D. Radiographically dense calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals
are deposited in cartilage and joint soft tissues in pseudogout, which can involve the knees,
wrists, elbows, shoulders, or ankles. If the patient is asymptomatic because the deposition is
primarily within cartilage, the condition is sometimes called chondrocalcinosis. In its more
severe form, the joint involvement can clinically resemble rheumatoid arthritis.