Diagnosis

Pseudogout signs and symptoms can mimic those of gout and other types of arthritis, so lab and imaging tests are usually necessary to confirm a diagnosis.

Lab tests

Blood tests can check for problems with your thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as for a variety of mineral imbalances that have been linked to pseudogout. Your doctor may withdraw a sample of the fluid from your affected joint with a needle to test for the presence of crystals.

Imaging tests

X-rays of your affected joint often can reveal joint damage and crystal deposits in the joint's cartilage.