Gout Flashcards
define gout?
a disorder of uric acid metabolism causing recurrent bouts of acute arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints
what causes hyperuricamia?
o Increased urate intake or production • Increased dietary intake • Increased nucleic acid turnover o Decreased Renal Excretion • Idiopathic • Drugs
epidemiology of gout?
- 10 x more common in MALES
* More common in HIGHER social classes
what might trigger an attack?
- Trauma
- Infection
- Alcohol
- Starvation
- Introduction or withdrawal of hypouricemic agents
what are the symptoms of gout?
Sudden excruciating monoarticular pain
• Swelling
• Erythema
which joint is normallly affected?
metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe
what is the time scale of the symptoms?
- Symptoms peak at 12 hrs
* They resolve over 7-10 days
gold standard investigation for gout?
• Synovial Fluid Aspirate
o Monosodium urate crystals will be seen
what do urate crystals look like?
- Needle-shaped
* NEGATIVE
what will the bloods show?
o Raised urate
what are the radiological features of gout?
o Uric acid renal stones may be seen
o Well punched out erosions
o Joint effusion is an early sign
o Eccentric erosions
