Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Medical conditions > Crystal Arthropathies > Flashcards

Crystal Arthropathies Flashcards

Gout and Psuedogout

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
USMLE® Step 1 flashcards
1
Q

What is gout?

A

A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent episodes of severe pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, particularly in the big toe.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What causes gout?

A

Primarily caused by hyperuricaemia, the excessive concentration of uric acid in the blood.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are monosodium urate crystals?

A

Crystals formed from uric acid deposition in joints and tissues, triggering the inflammatory response characteristic of gout.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is hyperuricaemia?

A

A condition where uric acid production exceeds excretion, leading to increased serum uric acid levels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

List some common clinical features of acute gout.

A
  • Sudden onset of severe joint pain, often waking a person up at night
  • Redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness over the affected joint
  • Typically monoarticular in initial attacks
  • Other commonly affected joints: ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, fingers
  • Systemic symptoms like fever and malaise can occur
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the typical demographic affected by gout?

A

Typically occurs in middle-aged to elderly individuals, more common in men than women with a ratio of approximately 3:1.

Unhealthy, purine-rich diet.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are some factors leading to reduced urate excretion? List at least 3.

A
  • Renal impairment
  • Use of diuretics
  • Hypertension
  • Lead exposure
  • Endocrine disorders
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What factors can lead to excessive urate production?

Include dietary and other conditions

A
  • High dietary intake of purines
  • Sugary foods and drinks
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Obesity
  • Certain medications
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What test is definitive for diagnosing gout?

A

Synovial fluid analysis to identify monosodium urate crystals under polarized light microscopy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

True or False: Gout can occur in individuals with normal uric acid levels.

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the key components of acute gout management?

A
  • NSAIDs - particularly naproxen
  • Colchicine
  • Oral corticosteroids (if colchicine is contraindicated)
  • IL-1 inhibitors
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Fill in the blank: Gout crystals are _______ shaped and are negatively birefringent.

A

needle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the first-line urate-lowering therapy for chronic gout?

A

Allopurinol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What complications can arise from untreated gout?

A
  • Chronic joint damage
  • Tophi formation
  • Kidney stones/kidney damage
  • Cardiovascular disease
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What lifestyle modifications are recommended for gout management?

A
  • Dietary changes
  • Reducing alcohol intake
  • Increasing hydration
  • Weight loss
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the prognosis for patients with gout with effective management?

A

Generally good, with control of uric acid levels preventing recurrent attacks and joint damage.

17
Q

What are the characteristics of tophi in chronic tophaceous gout?

A

Deposits of MSU crystals in soft tissues, commonly found on fingers, elbows, ears, and Achilles tendons.

18
Q

What is a typical patient presentation for gout?

A

A middle-aged male experiencing sudden, intense pain in the big toe, red, swollen, and tender joint, often triggered by dietary excesses or dehydration.

19
Q

What imaging modalities can detect urate crystals in joints?

A
  • Ultrasound
  • Dual-Energy CT Scanning
20
Q

Differentiate between gout and pseudogout.

A

Gout is caused by monosodium urate crystals; pseudogout is caused by calcium pyrophosphate deposition, presenting with positively birefringent rhomboid-shaped crystals.

21
Q

What is the mechanism of colchicine in gout management?

A

Inhibits microtubule formation, reducing neutrophil migration and inflammatory response.

22
Q

What is a common side effect of colchicine?

A

Diarrhoea

23
Q

What can trigger an acute gout attack when starting urate-lowering therapy?

A

Initial fluctuations in uric acid levels causing existing urate crystals to mobilise.

Medical conditions (12 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions