SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

Last Reviewed: January 15, 2026 by SymptomDX Medical Team

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

← Management Protocols

Home Management ProtocolsPseudogout

Pseudogout

Clinical Assessment Checklist

Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.

Initial priorities

Immediate threats

Shock or hypotension

Alternative diagnosis favored over CPPD flare

Sepsis pathway if infection concern

Fever with toxic appearance

Septic arthritis until proven otherwise

Empiric antibiotics after cultures if high suspicion

Hot swollen joint with severe pain and limited ROM

Arthrocentesis priority if feasible

Do not delay aspiration for imaging

Key decisions

Need for urgent arthrocentesis

Any concern for septic arthritis

Immunocompromised state

Admission vs discharge

Systemic illness

Uncontrolled pain or inability to ambulate

Procedural safety

Anticoagulation status

Overlying cellulitis at puncture site

Stabilization and monitoring

Physiologic targets

Adequate analgesia

Pain score trend

Functional improvement

Hydration if poor intake

Avoid volume overload in heart failure

Mobility support

Splinting for comfort

Assistive devices if needed

Escalation triggers

Persistent tachycardia with fever

Blood cultures

Broad infection evaluation

Rapidly progressive swelling or erythema

Necrotizing soft tissue infection consideration

Early surgical consult if concerning features

Multiple joints with systemic symptoms

Disseminated infection consideration

Rheumatology consultation for atypical disease

Key concepts

Core principle

Acute CPP crystal arthritis mimics septic arthritis

Synovial fluid analysis is central

Infection can coexist with crystals

NSAIDs colchicine and glucocorticoids are first line options

Choice based on comorbidity risk

Intraarticular steroid favored for monoarticular disease

Medical Disclaimer

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

Last Reviewed: January 15, 2026 by SymptomDX Medical Team

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.

← Management Protocols

Home Management ProtocolsPseudogout