Gout
synonyms:
Gout ICD-9
Gout Etiology / Epidemiology / Natural History
- Men > female (20:1)
- Associated with hyperuricemia (serum urate >7mg/dl), genetic predisposition, acohol use, lead toxicity.
- Caused by monosodium urate crystal disposition in joints (strongly negative needle-shaped crystals).
- Tophi = deposits of monosodium urate crystals in soft tissues.
- 1 Beer daily increases uric acid levels by 0.4mg/dl and increases the incidence of Gout.
Gout Anatomy
- May affect any joint: great toe MTP joint, sternoclavicular joint, knee, etc
Gout Clinical Evaluation
- Acute severe pain in a single joint without antecedent trauma.
- First attack generally occurs in 40-50 y/o's.
- Most common presentation: monarticular lower extremity (1st MTP joint, ankle, knee) pain, warmth, tenderness, erythema.
- Fever, leukocytosis and elevated ESR are common.
Gout Xray / Diagnositc Tests
- Xrays: generally normal in early disease or first acute attack. Chronic cases demonstrate soft tissue tophi with calcifications, cortical erosions with sharply defined overhanging edges and sclerotic margins, relative preservation of joint spaces and normal bone density.
- Joint aspiration: Fluid sent for cell count, gram stain and cultures. Crystals are strongly negatively birefringent needle shaped under polarized light.
Gout Classification / Treatment
- Stage: asymptomatic hyperuricemia, acute gouty arthritis, intercritical gout, chronic tophaceous gout.
- Colchicine: affective in acute attacks
- Indomethacine: affective in acute attacks
- Consider corticosteroid injection once septic arthritis has been ruled out.
- Long term treatment: consider allopurinal to limit hyperuricemia
- Vitamin C 500mg QD may reduce serum uric acid levels by 0.6mg/dL (Gao, X, J Rheumatology 2008:35:1853).
Gout Associated Injuries / Differential Diagnosis
Gout Complications
- Painful arthritis
- Recurrent gouty attack
Gout Follow-up Care
- As acute attack subsides, desquamation of the overlying skin may occur.
- Tophi = soft-tissue masses caused by urate crystal deposition which may occur years after gout develops. Frequent locations: olecranon bursa, extensor surface of the forearm, Achilles tendon, hand tendon sheaths.
Gout Review References
- Griffin LY, Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care 3rd edition, AAOS, 2005
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