Question:

A 45-year-old male presents with discomfort in his joints. Synovial fluid aspiration reveals rhomboid-shaped positively birefringent crystals under polarized light microscopy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Show Hint

Pseudogout = rhomboid, positively birefringent crystals. Gout = needle-shaped, negatively birefringent crystals.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • Gout
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pseudogout
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition. The crystals are rhomboid-shaped and positively birefringent under polarized light.

Step 1:
Identify the crystal shape.
The crystals are: \[ \text{Rhomboid-shaped} \]

Step 2:
Identify birefringence.
Positive birefringence is typical of calcium pyrophosphate crystals.

Step 3:
Select diagnosis.
Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease is also called: \[ \text{Pseudogout} \] Therefore, the correct answer is Pseudogout.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0