Gouty arthritis

Gouty arthritis. However, calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate deposition disease (CPPD) and rheumatoid arthritis are the differential diagnoses, which need to be evaluated both clinico-radiologically and with a histopathological examination.

Findings

There were multiple small nodules and a large nodule on the dorsum of left hand at the base of 3rd metacarpal (Figure 1), a localized cystic granuloma in the retrocalcaneal region is shown, and multiple tophaceous deposits over the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint and hallux valgus deformity are seen.

The radiograph (Figure 2) shows a ‘Scalloping sign’ in capitate and a punched-out lytic lesion involving the scaphoid, capitate, and trapezoid bones. The radiograph provides (Figure 3) anteroposterior views of both feet demonstrating punched-out lytic lesions in the 1st metatarso-phalangeal joints with marginal erosions in the metatarsal head.

Aspirate of hand and retrocalcaneal region shows needle shaped urate crystals (Figure 4). The image shows needle shaped Monosodium urate crystals and flat, plate like colorless uric acid crystals with numerous RBC’s. No pus cells were seen.

Discussion

Deposition of gouty tophi in the hand occurs relatively late in the disease and is uncommon with good medical management.1 Radiographic manifestations of gouty arthritis may precede symptoms in up to 25% of patients and may precede deposition of gouty tophi in up to 42%.2 Gouty arthritis has various modalities of presentations in the hand. This includes acute suppurative flexor tenosynovitis,1,3 carpal tunnel syndrome,1,4 and a localized painful mass in the midpalm,5,6,7 tophi over the dorsal aspect of the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints.1,2,5 Neglected cases can produce intratendinous infiltration, flexion contractures, tendon rupture, and skin ulceration in extreme cases.3,6

Gouty tenosynovitis in the hand can be present without tophi or previous involvement of upper extremity.3 Often called “the imitator,” gout may masquerade as septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or neoplasm, and the diagnosis is often delayed by weeks or months.

Gout can rarely coexist with rheumatoid arthritis,8 but it is perhaps more frequently misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis because of its proliferative synovitis3 and because 10% to 20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have elevated uric acid levels.

The early radiological signs of gout are joint effusion and periarticular edema, caused by the deposition of the nonopaque crystals within the synovial and cartilaginous tissues.5,6,7 Radiographic examination eventually reveals a classic ‘punched-out’ lytic lesion with an associated overhanging edge at the distal metatarsals.6 Multiple marginal erosions and decreased joint space are seen at several metacarpal-phalangeal joints. These erosions contain sclerotic borders.7

Osteopenia and the loss of joint space are usually not seen until advanced disease stages.6 Additionally, the advanced stage is also characterized by joint destruction and severe deformities. Proliferative osseous change, intraosseous cysts, chondrocalcinosis, and olecranon bursitis can occasionally be seen in the patients with gout.5

The diagnosis of gout should not be based on laboratory values alone. Joint or tenosynovial aspiration, Gram stain, and examination under polarized light is 85% sensitive for the diagnosis of gout and may be helpful in differentiating acute gouty tenosynovitis from rheumatoid arthritis or infection.2

The asymmetry and lack of joint space narrowing not seen until advanced stages allow differentiation from other similar-appearing disorders (eg, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, infection, and rheumatoid arthritis). CPPD can have symptoms resembling that of gout and can also occur concomitantly in up to 40% of patients with gout.9

Our patient who was on long duration of treatment for gouty arthritis presented to our clinic with nonspecific knee pain and an incidental radiological evaluation of left hand showed the involvement of carpal bones. The literature on gout is huge and refers, not specifically, to every joint. The fact that the carpus has not been extensively described constituted a base for our presentation. Histological examination demonstrated urate crystals from the aspirate of hand and retrocalcaneal region and confirmed the carpal involvement.

Conclusion

Gouty arthritis can also occur in carpal bones. It can occur alone or along with or without the associated findings. One should always have a high index of suspicion. Systematic, good clinical examination and proper radiographs should be carried out. Histology confirms the diagnosis. Carpal involvement in gouty arthritis should also be kept in the differential diagnosis in any case of unusual lytic lesions in carpal bones.

Gouty arthritis has various presentations in the hand. They include acute tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tophi deposition in the palm, punched-out lytic lesions; and involvement of the metacarpals. Carpal bones are rarely involved. This case showed the involvement of carpal bone. One should be careful in interpreting hand radiographs. A systematic clinical examination along with radiographs and aspiration cytology confirms the diagnosis.

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