Gout and pseudogout Flashcards
Gout and pseudogout are known collectively as…
Crystal arthropathies
Give a risk factor for developing gout
High purine diet (meat, seafood)
Which joint is most commonly affected in gout?
Metatarso-phalangeal joint (base of big toe)
Describe the typical symptoms and signs of gout
Symptoms:
- Red, hot, swollen, painful joint
Signs:
- Gouty tophi (subcutaneous deposits of uric acid)
What is the diagnostic investigation for gout? What will this show?
Joint aspiration showing needle-shaped negatively birefringent crystals (monosodium urate crystals)
Describe the medical management of an acute flare of gout
NSAIDs (or colchicine if NSAIDs contraindicated)
Describe the medical management for prophylaxis of recurrent attacks of gout
Allopurinol (xanthine oxidase inhibitor)
What is the diagnostic investigation for pseudogout? What will this show?
Joint aspiration showing rhomboid-shaped positively birefringent crystals (calcium pyrophosphate crystals)
Pseudogout may be associated with which other condition?
Haemochromatosis
What are the typical symptoms of pseudogout?
Red, hot, swollen, painful joint
What is the main differential diagnosis for the crystal arthropathies?
Septic arthritis
Pseudogout most commonly affects which joint?
Knee
Describe the medical management of an acute flare of pseudogout
NSAIDs (or colchicine if NSAIDs contraindicated)
