Living with Chondrocalcinosis 2
A rare inherited condition where crystals build up in and around the joints and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Understanding Chondrocalcinosis 2
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPP) crystals collect in the joints. GARD lists chronic joint pain or sudden, repeated episodes of pain, along with stiff or swollen joints. This is a familial form of chondrocalcinosis, which is otherwise linked to aging. GARD says it is diagnosed with imaging such as X-rays, and genetic testing of ANKH can confirm it.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Arthritis
- Wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis)
- Calcium in cartilage
- Changes in the discs between spine bones
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists, bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in ANKH are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Arthritis Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in the ANKH gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of the gene can be enough.
Also known as: calcium gout; calcium pyrophosphate arthropathy; calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease; chondrocalcinosis type 2; familial articular chondrocalcinosis; familial calcium pyrophosphate deposition
Patient organizations
- Arthritis FoundationChondrocalcinosis 2 · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Chondrocalcinosis 2.
Explore research for Chondrocalcinosis 2
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