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In synovial fluid, the most characteristic finding in pseudogout is?

User JGeer
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Final answer:

In pseudogout, the characteristic finding in synovial fluid is calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals, identified using polarized light microscopy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most characteristic finding in pseudogout when examining synovial fluid is the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals. Unlike gout, which is characterized by the deposit of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals due to high levels of uric acid, pseudogout results from the deposition of CPPD. These crystals can be positively identified using polarized light microscopy, which shows them as being rhomboid-shaped and exhibiting weakly positive birefringence, as opposed to the needle-shaped and strongly negative birefringent crystals seen in gout.

User JMF
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Final answer:

The most characteristic finding in synovial fluid for pseudogout is the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals.

Step-by-step explanation:

In synovial fluid, the most characteristic finding in pseudogout is the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals. Pseudogout, also known as calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease, differs from gout, which is caused by the formation of uric acid crystals. In pseudogout, CPPD crystals are deposited in the joint cartilage and eventually may shed into the synovial fluid, leading to painful inflammation. During a synovial fluid analysis, these crystals can be identified under a microscope when they exhibit positive birefringence, confirming the diagnosis of pseudogout.

User Derrick Moeller
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