CPPD (Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate) crystal deposition disease causes pain, swelling and sometimes redness and/or heat in one or many joints. It is defined by the presence of a distinctive type of crystal: calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD). Hyperparathyroidism: A condition caused by an overactive or hyperactive parathyroid gland in which there is too much calcium in the blood; this can lead to CPPD crystal deposition disease as well as bone and kidney problems.