Imaging of crystal disorders: calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease, calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease and gout pathophysiology, imaging, and diagnosis

Crystal arthropathies are a group of joint disorders due to deposition of crystals in and around joints, which lead to joint destruction and soft tissue masses. Clinical presentation is variable and diagnosis might be challenging. Therefore, first-line imaging of ultrasound in accessible joints is recommended to assess crystal arthropathies; however, DECT is a useful adjunct to differentiate gout from CPPD.