2006 Gout eMedicine Rheumatology

Description: Gout is a common disorder of uric acid metabolism that can lead to recurrent episodes of joint inflammation, tissue deposition of uric acid crystals, and joint destruction if left untreated. Unlike many other rheumatic diseases, gout is very treatable. A definitive diagnosis can be made using joint aspiration and synovial fluid analysis. Early diagnosis and treatment have made a significant impact in this disorder, as evidenced by the declining incidence of chronic tophaceous gout. However, tophaceous gout may occur due to misdiagnosis, poor management, and poor patient compliance.
Synonyms and related keywords: gout, uric acid metabolism, joint inflammation, joint destruction, chronic tophaceous gout, tophaceous gout, gouty arthritis, hyperuricemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, abdominal obesity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, cyclosporin A, acute monoarticular arthritis, podagra, pseudogout, polyarticular arthritis, uric acid, primary gout, secondary gout, acute gout, chronic gout
Francis & Ranatunga 2006 Updated 2011