Clinical Impact of Signs of Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD) on Radiographs of Hands and Wrists in a Real-World Cohort of Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Poster Presenter: Coralie Tremblay, MD, Rheumatology Fellow, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada

Poster Title: Clinical Impact of Signs of Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD) on Radiographs of Hands and Wrists in a Real-World Cohort of Patients with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Poster Session B: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on Monday, October 27

What is your poster about?

“Our research examines whether the presence of specific hand and wrist joint narrowing suggestive of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) in a cohort of patients with early non-erosive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with particular epidemiological features and influences clinical outcomes over 60 months. Our findings suggest these radiological signs do not alter the RA disease trajectory, regardless of seropositivity status, although CPPD+ patients may require more intensive treatment, including biologics and prednisone. This likely reflects a concomitant or preexisting condition, but such patients should be managed as typical RA cases.”

Why did you decide to investigate this topic?

“When I was offered the chance to work on this project, I was immediately drawn to its clinical relevance. The chronic, polyarticular form of CPPD is often under-recognized and can closely mimic early seronegative RA, leading to frequent diagnostic and treatment uncertainties. I was interested in exploring whether radiographs could help clarify the diagnosis and guide long-term management.”

What are you working on next related to this research?

“This project sparked my interest in better understanding diseases and patient groups that are often overlooked in rheumatology research. I plan to focus on how underrepresented populations experience different diagnostic challenges and management needs, with the goal of improving personalized care.”

What excites you most about your work?

“What motivates me most is the opportunity to shed light on under-recognized conditions in rheumatology. I find it rewarding to improve understanding, diagnosis, and management of these often-overlooked diseases. Enhancing awareness and patient care keeps me passionate about my work.”

What are you most looking forward to at ACR Convergence 2025 in Chicago?

“Receiving feedback on my work and connecting with rheumatology experts worldwide to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives on crystal arthropathies, but also on a variety of different conditions.”