Crystal deposition in joints: prevalence and relevance for arthritis.

Within the present world of arthritis research and practice, investigators of crystal-associated arthritis appear to be a small, aging, and dwindling endangered species whose interests are seen to be peripheral to those of most rheuma-tologists. This contrasts dramatically with the high prevalence of these diseases1,2. Both gout [urate crystal (monosodium urate, MSU) arthropathy] and pseudogout [calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal arthropathy] are common and distinct forms of arthritis that were distinguished and characterized clinically decades ago3–7. It is easy to speculate on the reasons for the current clinical lack of interest. These include: specific therapy for gout, absence of…