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Objectives In 2015, the 20-item Tophus Impact Questionnaire (TIQ-20) was developed as a tophus-specific patient-reported outcome measure. The aim of this study was to determine whether TIQ-20 scores change during urate-lowering therapy. Methods We analysed data from a 2-year clinical trial of allopurinol dose escalation using a treat-to-target serum urate approach. For participants with tophaceous gout, the longest diameter of up to three index tophi was measured, using Vernier calipers, and the TIQ-20 was recorded at study visits. Participants at the one site were invited to participate in a dual-energy CT (DECT) substudy. Participants were included in this analysis if they had tophaceous gout and TIQ-20 scores available at baseline, Year 1 and Year 2 (n  = 58, 39 with DECT data). Data were analysed using a mixed-model approach to repeated measures. Results Improvements were observed in all tophus measures over the 2-year period. The mean (s. d.) TIQ-20 scores reduced over 2 years from 3.59 (1.77) to 2.46 (1.73), P  < 0.0001, and the mean (95% CI) TIQ-20 change over the 2 years was –1.13 (–1.54, –0.71). The effect size (Cohen's d) for the change in the sum of the index tophi diameter over 2 years was 0.68, for the DECT urate volume was 0.50, and for the TIQ-20 was 0.71. Conclusion For people with tophaceous gout treated with allopurinol using a treat-to-target serum urate approach, improvements in TIQ-20 occurred, as did improvements in physical and imaging tophus measures. These findings demonstrate that the TIQ-20 is a responsive patient-reported instrument of tophus impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perforating dermatoses are dermatologic disorders with transepidermal elimination (TE) of dermal substances. While TE is typically associated with collagen and elastin, it can also occur as a secondary event in other processes, and it is important to keep a broad differential. We present a case of perforating tophaceous gout, which underscores the need for a thoughtful approach to perforating disorders. An updated review of recent literature is also presented.

Perforating dermatoses are dermatologic disorders with transepidermal elimination (TE) of dermal substances. While TE is typically associated with collagen and elastin, it can also occur as a secondary event in other processes, and it is important to keep a broad differential. We present a case of perforating tophaceous gout, which underscores the need for a thoughtful approach to perforating disorders. An updated review of recent literature is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundIn gout, long-term urate-lowering therapy (ULT) promotes dissolution of tissue urate crystal deposits. However, no studies using combined xanthine oxidase inhibition and uricosuric ULT have focused on clinical outcomes or adverse events (AEs) beyond 12 months of therapy. Our objective in the present study was to examine efficacy and long-term safety in patients with tophaceous gout receiving febuxostat plus lesinurad as combination therapy.MethodsPatients receiving combined lesinurad and febuxostat in the 12-month core CRYSTAL study continued at the same doses in the extension study ("200CONT", "400CONT"), whereas those receiving only febuxostat 80 mg were randomized to lesinurad 200 or 400 mg with febuxostat ("200CROSS", "400CROSS"). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients experiencing complete resolution (CR) of at least one target tophus by extension month (EM) 12. The key secondary endpoint was mean rate of gout flares requiring treatment from the end of EM 2 to the end of EM 12. Secondary endpoints included reduction in the sum of areas for all target tophi. Safety assessments included AEs and laboratory data for the entire extension study (median length of lesinurad exposure, 800 days).ResultsOf 235 patients completing the core study, 196 (83.4%) enrolled in the extension: 200CONT (n = 64), 200CROSS (n = 33), 400CONT (n = 65), and 400CROSS (n = 34). At EM 12, 59.6%, 43.5%, 66.7%, and 50.0% of patients, respectively, had CR of at least one target tophus. The sum of areas for all target tophi was reduced by 76.4%, 58.1%, 77.5%, and 62.8%, respectively. The adjusted mean (SE) rates of gout flares requiring treatment from the end of EM 2 to the end of EM 12 were 0.6 (0.19), 1.3 (0.48), 0.2 (0.08), and 1.9 (0.93), respectively. Target sUA

Tophaceous gout of the middle ear is a rare occurrence that presents as a granular white-colored mass. It is frequently misdiagnosed as cholesteatoma or tympanosclerosis in patients who otherwise may not manifest any clinical or biochemical signs of gout. While uncommon, it can lead to clinically significant disease such as conductive hearing loss. The present report describes 2 cases of middle ear gouty tophi initially mistaken for another entity. Both patients underwent surgery, and the diagnosis of gout was revealed after final histopathological analysis. A review of the literature is also presented.

Abstract Background Tophi are lesions commonly present at sites of bone erosion in gout-affected joints. The tophus comprises a core of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals surrounded by soft tissue that contains macrophages and other immune cells. Previous studies found that MSU crystals directly reduce osteoblast viability and function. The aim of the current study was to determine the indirect, macrophage-mediated effects of MSU crystals on osteoblasts. Methods Conditioned medium from the RAW264.7 mouse macrophage cell line cultured with MSU crystals was added to the MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblastic cell line. Conditioned medium from the THP-1 human monocytic cell line cultured with MSU crystals was added to primary human osteoblasts (HOBs). Matrix mineralization was assessed by von Kossa staining. Gene expression was determined by real-time PCR, and concentrations of secreted factors were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results In MC3T3-E1 cells cultured for 13 days in an osteogenic medium, the expression of the osteoblast marker genes Col1a1, Runx2, Sp7, Bglap, Ibsp, and Dmp1 was inhibited by a conditioned medium from MSU crystal-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Mineral staining of MC3T3-E1 cultures on day 21 confirmed the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation. In HOB cultures, the effect of 20 h incubation with a conditioned medium from MSU crystal-stimulated THP-1 monocytes on osteoblast gene expression was less consistent. Expression of the genes encoding cyclooxygenase-2 and IL-6 and secretion of the proinflammatory mediators PGE2 and IL-6 were induced in MC3T3-E1 and HOBs incubated with conditioned medium from MSU crystal-stimulated macrophages/monocytes. However, inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 activity and PGE2 secretion from HOBs indicated that this pathway does not play a major role in mediating the indirect effects of MSU crystals in HOBs. Conclusions Factors secreted from macrophages stimulated by MSU crystals attenuate osteoblast differentiation and induce the expression and secretion of proinflammatory mediators from osteoblasts. We suggest that bone erosion in joints affected by gout results from a combination of direct and indirect effects of MSU crystals.

Objectives To evaluate whether US findings indicating MSU deposits and US-detected inflammation (i.e. power Doppler signal) predict gout flares over 12 months. Methods Gout patients on urate-lowering therapy for at least the preceding 6 months were enrolled consecutively in this 12-month prospective, observational, single-centre study. A nested case–control analysis was performed. Cases were participants with at least one flare in the follow-up period, while controls did not self-report any gout flare. The US assessment included elbows, wrists, second MCP joints, knees, ankles, and first MTP joints. The US findings indicating MSU deposits [i.e. aggregates, double contour (DC) sign and tophi] were identified as present/absent according to the Outcome Measure in Rheumatology definitions. Power Doppler signal was scored semiquantitatively. Summated scores were calculated for each US finding. Results Eighty-one gout participants were enrolled, and 71 completed the study. Thirty (42.3%) of 71 participants experienced at least one flare over 12 months, with a median of 2.0 flares. Cases had a greater US burden of MSU deposits (6.7 ± 4.7 vs 2.9 ± 2.6, P  = 0.01) and power Doppler signal (3.73 ± 3.53 vs 0.82 ± 1.44, P  < 0.01) than controls, at baseline. The baseline US scores indicating MSU deposits and US-detected inflammation were significantly associated with the occurrence (total MSU score, adjusted odds ratio:1.75, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.43; power Doppler score, adjusted odds ratio: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.40) and the number (total MSU score, adjusted incidence risk ratio: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.26; power Doppler score, adjusted incidence risk ratio: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.40) of flares over 12 months in multivariate analyses. Conclusions Baseline US findings indicating MSU deposits and US-detected inflammation are independent predictors of gout flares over 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: A tophus is a clinical manifestation of advanced gout, and in some patients could lead to joint deformities, fractures, and even serious complications in unusual sites. Therefore, to explore the factors related to the occurrence of tophi and establish a prediction model is clinically significant. (2) Objective: to study the occurrence of tophi in patients with gout and to construct a predictive model to evaluate its predictive efficacy. (3) Methods: The clinical data of 702 gout patients were analyzed by using cross-sectional data of North Sichuan Medical College. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze predictors. Multiple machine learning (ML) classification models are integrated to analyze and identify the optimal model, and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretation was developed for personalized risk assessment. (4) Results: Compliance of urate-lowering therapy (ULT), Body Mass Index (BMI), course of disease, annual attack frequency, polyjoint involvement, history of drinking, family history of gout, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were the predictors of the occurrence of tophi. Logistic classification model was the optimal model, test set area under curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval, CI): 0.888 (0.839–0.937), accuracy: 0.763, sensitivity: 0.852, and specificity: 0.803. (5) Conclusions: We constructed a logistic regression model and explained it with the SHAP method, providing evidence for preventing tophus and guidance for individual treatment of different patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gouty tophi are a clinical manifestation of hyperuricemia in advanced stages. They can produce pain, functional limitation, and severe deformities. Patients with severe symptoms require short-term symptomatic solutions that standard medical management is not able to provide. The objective of this study was to present the results obtained with the surgical management of tophaceous gout in the upper limb, as well as present a detailed characterization of the disease in the upper limb. Databases of the hand surgery service of a quaternary care hospital were reviewed to identify patients aged >18 years old undergoing tophi resection in the upper limbs between 2014 and 2020. Medical history records were reviewed retrospectively, and the relevant data were extracted to establish demographic profile, clinical presentation, anatomic distribution, postoperative outcomes, and additional procedures required. The most frequent symptom was pain (83%), followed by limited range of motion (56%), deformity (50%), and daily living/occupational activity limitation (28%). The main indications for surgical management were the presence of deformity, pain, and/or limited range of motion. The most frequently affected anatomic sites were the metacarpophalangeal joints, followed by the elbows, proximal interphalangeal joints, and proximal phalanges. The postoperative complication rate was 28%. The most common complications were operative site infections and wound dehiscence. Decreased pain was associated with surgical resection. Additional procedures, such as extensor tenorrhaphy and local flaps, were required in 47.2% of patients. Surgical resection of tophi can decrease pain. Although surgery is associated with a high rate of complications, most are minor. Therapeutic IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the responsiveness of gout-specific US lesions representing urate deposition in patients receiving treat-to-target urate-lowering therapy using a binary and the OMERACT-defined semi-quantitative scoring systems; (ii) to determine the most responsive US measure for urate deposition and the optimal joint/tendon set for monitoring this. Methods US (28 joints, 14 tendons) was performed in microscopically verified gout patients initiating/increasing urate-lowering therapy and repeated after 6 and 12 months. Static images/videos of pathologies were stored and scored binarily and semi-quantitatively for tophus, double contour sign (DC) and aggregates. Lesion scores were calculated at patient level, as were combined crystal sum scores. Responsiveness of lesions—scored binarily and semi-quantitatively—was calculated at both patient and joint/tendon levels. Results Sixty-three patients underwent longitudinal evaluation. The static images/videos assessed retrospectively showed statistically significant decreases in tophus and DC, when scored binarily and semi-quantitatively, whereas aggregates were almost unchanged during follow-up. The responsiveness of the semi-quantitative tophus and DC sum scores were markedly higher than when using binary scoring. The most responsive measure for urate deposition was a combined semi-quantitative tophus-DC-sum score. A feasible joint/tendon set for monitoring included knee and first–second MTP joints and peroneus and distal patella tendons (all bilateral), representing the most prevalent and responsive sites. Conclusion The OMERACT consensus-based semi-quantitative US gout scoring system showed longitudinal validity with both tophus and DC being highly responsive to treatment when assessed in static images/videos. A responsive US measure for urate deposition and a feasible joint/tendon set for monitoring were proposed and may prove valuable in future longitudinal studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Pegloticase rapidly lowers serum urate in uncontrolled/refractory gout patients, with ≥1 tophus resolution in 70% of pegloticase responders and 28% of non-responders. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) non-invasively detects MSU deposition, including subclinical deposition, quantifies MSU volumes and depicts bone erosions. This report presents DECT findings in MIRROR open-label trial participants receiving pegloticase+MTX co-therapy. Methods Serial DECT scans were obtained during pegloticase (8 mg biweekly infusions)+oral MTX (15 mg/week) co-therapy. Bilateral hand/wrist, elbow, foot/ankle and knee images were analysed with default post-processing settings. MSU volumes were quantified and bone erosions were identified and evaluated for remodelling (decreased size, sclerosis, new bone formation). DECT and physical examination findings were compared. Results 2 patients underwent serial DECT. Patient 1 (44-year-old male) completed 52 weeks of pegloticase+MTX co-therapy (26 infusions). Baseline examination detected 4 tophus-affected joints while DECT identified 73 MSU-affected joints (total MSU volume: 128.76 cm3). At end-of-treatment, there were no clinically-affected joints and 4 joints with DECT-detected MSU deposition. MSU volume decreased by 99% and bone erosion remodelling was evident. Patient 2 (51-year-old male) had 10 weeks of therapy (5 infusions), discontinuing because of urate-lowering response loss. Baseline examination detected 7 tophus-affected joints while DECT identified 55 MSU-affected joints (total MSU volume: 59.20 cm3). At end-of-treatment, there were 5 clinically affected joints and 42 joints with DECT-detected MSU deposition. MSU volume decreased by 58% and bone erosion remodelling was evident. Conclusion DECT detected subclinical MSU deposition and quantified changes over time. Rapid tophus resolution and bone erosion remodelling occurred during pegloticase+MTX co-therapy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov , NCT03635957. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis, characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals. If chronically present and not adequately treated by serum urate reducers, gout tophi can develop at various locations. Here, we report the first infected gout tophus at the septal cartilage and nasal tip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. To date, there is no consensus regarding the gender characteristics of the course of gout. There is little data on the possible difference between men and women in response to uric acid-lowering therapy.Aim. To compare the clinical characteristics of the course of gout and evaluate the differences in response to urate-lowering therapy (ULT) with allopurinol and febuxostat in men and women.Material and methods. The retrospective cohort study included 279 men and 83 women diagnosed with gout (ACR/EULAR, 2015). The comparative analysis of the clinical characteristics of gout, as well as responses to the intake of xanthioxidase (XO) inhibitors in representatives of different sexes, was carried out. We compared the gender characteristics of obtaining a positive response to ULT, defined as achieving a target serum uric acid (sUA) level of < 360 μmol / l within 6 months of treatment, while taking allopurinol and febuxostat.Results. By the age at which the onset of gout took place, women were older than men, the duration of the disease in them was shorter. Men showed a shorter duration of the first attack of arthritis. Chronic arthritis was diagnosed in 56% of men and 35% of women (p < 0.05). The process involved the joints of both the lower and upper extremities. However, more often the joints of the lower extremities were affected in men, and in the upper extremities in women. Tophus were detected in 35% of patients, of whom 30.3% were men, 4.7% were women (p < 0.05). Allopurinol was prescribed to 216 men and 54 women, and febuxostat was prescribed to 63 men and 29 women. After six months, the proportion of women who achieved the target sUA was 57.5% and 65.8%, the proportion of men – 60.4% and 76.2% for allopurinol and febuxostat, respectively.Conclusion. The clinical manifestations of gout in men and women differ. Due to the pronounced increase in the level of uric acid, men develop more severe joint damage due to the tendency to chronicity. However, the study did not reveal gender differences in the response to XO inhibitors, which indicates that there is no need to choose therapy depending on the patient’s gender.

Andri Maruli Tua Lubis, Adisa Yusuf Reksoprodjo, Mohamad Walid Kuncoro, Nadia Nastassia Ifran Department of Orthopedic & Traumatology Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, IndonesiaCorrespondence: Andri Maruli Tua LubisDepartment of Orthopaedic & Traumatology Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Hospital - Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jl. Diponegoro No. 71, Jakarta, IndonesiaTel +62 816-1177-078Fax +62 21 3905894Email andrilubisresearch@gmail.comIntroduction: Pain and instability following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remain a significant issue. Common causes include infection and inflammation, and mechanical issues such as graft failure.Case Presentation: A 36-year-old male with an ACL reconstruction six years prior was admitted due to pain and swelling. The ACL graft that had ruptured was found arthroscopically. Numerous gout crystals and tophus were observed inside. This finding is suggested as a cause of this kind of complication.Discussion: Biological failure is one of the causes of graft failure. Gout arthritis is associated with internal derangement of the joint structures, which is reported in advanced case.Conclusion: Severe gouty arthritis, even though rare, could be an etiology of graft failure following ACL reconstruction and cause significant morbidity.Keywords: ACL reconstruction, graft failure, gout, tophus

Abstract Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis, characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals. If chronically present and not adequately treated by serum urate reducers, gout tophi can develop at various locations. Here, we report the first infected gout tophus at the septal cartilage and nasal tip.

Background: The tibial collateral ligament, also known as the medial collateral ligament (MCL), is a ligament extending from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the posteromedial crest of the tibia. The ligament is a broad and strong band that mainly functions to stabilize the knee joint in the coronal plane on the medial side Since MCL calcification is not a frequent knee pain manifestation, exclusion of other confusing clinical mimicries is of paramount importance. Here, in this report, we describe a well-circumscribed calcific deposit in the left femoral condylar attachment of MCL reported very rarely in medical literature. Case report: A 37-year-old labourer presented to the Outpatient department with pain and flexion deformity of Right knee for 6 months. He walked on a flexed knee with a limping gait. Plain radiograph of the right was taken in AP and Lateral view which showed a massive well-defined calcification at the medial side of the knee joint. Considering the large size of the lesion, surgical treatment was chosen. Intra-operatively, as the MCL was involved a reconstruction was done using the semitendinosus tendon. Conclusion: Chronic pain located at the medial side of the knee is not always osteoarthritic pain. Thorough clinical and radiological investigation with plain radiographs and MRI in some cases is mandatory. Calcification or ossification of the medical collateral ligament of the knee responds well to conservative treatment. Surgical resection is needed in some cases with larger lesions.

La méconnaissance de la goutte notamment féminine est à l’origine d’un retard diagnostique et par conséquent de formes sévères de la maladie. Nous rapportons le cas d’une goutte tophacée chez une femme de 56 ans, indemne d’antécédent familial de goutte. La patiente qui a une hémoglobinopathie CC, est en outre atteinte d’une hypertension artérielle connue à 29 ans, d’un accident vasculaire cérébral et d’une insuffisance rénale chronique survenus respectivement à 41 et à 54 ans. La goutte dont la première crise remonte à l’âge de 46 ans était polyarticulaire et affectait le poignet droit, les coudes, les genoux, les chevilles et le gros orteil gauche. Le diagnostic a reposé sur les données cliniques, l’hyperuricémie et la présence de cristaux d’urate de sodium dans le liquide obtenu après la ponction du genou. Les tophi siégeaient aux coudes et au pavillon des oreilles. Le traitement de fond de cette goutte a reposé sur l’allopurinol.

Background: Current treatments with urate-lowering therapy (ULT) are effective for most patients with gout. However, approximately 10% of these patients do not respond well to ULT and develop chronic tophus lesions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of surgery involving the shaver technique against chronic tophus lesions. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 217 patients who had cumulatively undergone 303 shaver-assisted procedures between 2002 and 2018. Surgical outcomes were assessed in terms of the length of hospital stay (LOS) and wound healing time. Results: LOS and wound healing time were longer in patients with a preoperative tophus infection and lower extremity lesions than in those without infection and with upper extremity lesions (respectively, LOS: 12.7 vs. 8.6 days; wound healing time: 22.7 vs. 16.3 days). However, factors such as age, sex, body mass index, renal function, or uricemia level exerted no significant effect on surgical outcomes. Conclusion: Surgery involving the shaver technique should be performed before tophus infection. Clinical outcomes tend to be better for upper extremity lesions than for lower extremity lesions., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interest exists., (© The author(s).)

Abstract Background The aim of this systematic literature review was to comprehensively describe the anatomical pathology of tissues affected by gout. Methods We searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Web of Science Core Collection for all English language articles published before March 2018. Articles were included if they described the microscopic or macroscopic appearances of gout in human tissue. Results Four hundred and seventeen articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Articles describing the anatomical pathology of gout in musculoskeletal structures, including bone, tendon and ligaments, synovium and cartilage, were most common. Articles describing skin and kidney pathology in gout were also common, with pathology in other sites such as visceral organs less common. At all sites, monosodium urate crystal deposition was reported, and the tophus was also described within many different tissues. During a gout flare, diffuse acute neutrophilic synovial inflammation was evident. The tophus was described as an organised chronic giant cell granulomatous structure consisting of monosodium urate crystals, innate and adaptive immune cells, and fibrovascular tissue. Conclusions Consistent with the clinical presentation of gout, most studies describing the anatomical pathology of gout report involvement of musculoskeletal structures, with monosodium urate crystal deposition and tophus the most common lesions described. This review details the anatomical pathology features of gout at affected sites.

This prospective study was aimed at observing the changes in three ultrasound (US) outcome domains (urate deposition, joint inflammation and bone erosion) in gout patients within the 1 y on urate-lowering therapy. The elementary lesions, including tophus, double-contour (DC) sign, aggregates, synovitis and bone erosion of the bilateral knee, ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joints, were evaluated repeatedly by US before and after 3, 6 and 12 mo of treatment, and the effective rates of clearance of tophus, DC sign and aggregates in different time groups were compared. A Global OMERACT-EULAR Synovitis Score (GLOESS) was calculated for these three paired joints to observe the inflammation. Bone erosion was also scored. The correlation between serum uric acid levels and tophus size changes was analyzed. Our results indicated that the decrease in serum uric acid levels was not completely parallel to the decrease in tophus size. For tophus, there was no significant difference in the clearance rate between different time groups (χ2 = 1.76, p = 0.392), while for DC sign and aggregates, there were significant differences (χ2 = 21.48, p < 0.001, χ2 = 7.75, p = 0.018). Meanwhile, GLOESS was significantly lower after 6 mo of therapy (χ2 = 32.316, p < 0.001). Additionally, bone erosion had not improved after 1 y of treatment (Z = -1.633, p = 0.102). Thus, US is crucial for assessing response to urate-lowering therapy in gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L´étude d´une arthrite goutteuse de la hanche, décrite chez une femme de 57 ans, diabétique et hypertendue, sans antécédents de goutte et qui a consulté pour douleur chronique de la hanche droite. L´examen clinique a trouvé une patiente obèse, marchant avec une boiterie droite douloureuse en rapport avec flessum de la hanche homolatérale. La radiographie standard a montré des formations ostéo-condensantes en regard de la face antérieure du col fémoral. La biologie se résume en un syndrome inflammatoire avec un taux normal d´acide urique. La tomodensitométrie et l´IRM nous ont orienté vers une chondromatose de la hanche. La patiente a eu un traitement chirurgical avec exérèse complète d´une formation friable et arthrolyse de la hanche. Les prélèvements bactériologiques n´ont pas isolé de germe et l´étude anatomopathologique a conclu à une goutte de la hanche. Un traitement médical à base de Colchicine a été introduit. L´évolution a été marquée par une régression complète du flessum, disparition de la boiterie et amélioration des douleurs de la hanche de façon satisfaisante.

Main Teaching Point: Dual-energy CT is a valuable asset in the detection of extra-articular manifestations of gout Extra-articular manifestations of gout are common. The Achilles tendon is a frequently affected site, and uric acid deposition may have harmful effects on tendon structure and function. Advanced imaging can aid in early diagnosis, follow-up of disease activity and therapy efficacy. This case series highlights the use of dual-energy CT as a tool in diagnosing gout and in detecting extra-articular manifestations.

Abstract Background Pegloticase is a recombinant mammalian uricase conjugated to polyethylene glycol approved in the United States for treatment of chronic refractory gout. It can profoundly decrease serum urate to

This study reports a case of gouty arthritis in the hip joint in a 57-year-old woman with diabetes and hypertension, with no history of gout, presenting with chronic pain in the right hip. Clinical examination showed obese patient, having painful right limping with lateral hip flexion during walking. Standard radiography objectified osteocondensing formations at the level of the anterior femoral neck. Laboratory tests showed inflammatory syndrome with normal uric acid concentration. Computerised tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested chondromatosis of the hip. The patient underwent surgical treatment based on complete excision of the friable formation and hip arthrolysis. Bacteria were not isolated during the anatomopathological study which showed gout affecting the hip. The patient received medical treatment based on Colchicine. The patient had complete recovery of flexion, disappearance of limping and satisfactory improvement in hip pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La goutte est une maladie chronique liée au dépôt de microcristaux d'urate monosodique dans les articulations et les tissus. Son incidence et sa prévalence augmentent au niveau mondial en relation étroite avec l'épidémie d'obésité et de syndrome métabolique. Elle est en rapport avec une hyperuricémie chronique qu'il convient de traiter pour permettre la diminution voire la disparition des poussées aiguës (« crise de goutte ») et pour réduire la taille et le nombre des tophi. Si l'arthrite de la première articulation métatarso-phalangienne est la forme la plus typique, d'autres articulations peuvent être touchées, y compris le rachis. La mise en évidence de microcristaux d'urate monosodique permet le diagnostic mais, en l'absence de possibilité de réaliser une ponction articulaire, l'imagerie peut être utile pour apporter des éléments diagnostiques complémentaires. Une prise en charge adaptée est indispensable afin de réduire le nombre des poussées et l'évolution vers l'arthropathie goutteuse mais également en termes de santé publique afin de réduire les coûts liés à cette pathologie. Gout is a chronic disease due to the deposition of monosodium urate microcrystals in joints and tissues. Its incidence and prevalence are increasing worldwide in close relation with the epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Gout is related to chronic hyperuricemia that should be treated to ensure the reduction or even the disappearance of acute attacks ("gout flares") and to reduce the size and number of tophi. If arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is the most typical form, other joints may be affected, including the spine. Demonstration of urate microcrystals arthritis allows diagnosis of gout but, in the absence of possibility of performing joint puncture, imaging may be useful for providing complementary diagnostic elements. Appropriate care is essential to reduce the number of flares and the evolution towards gouty arthropathy but also in terms of public health in order to reduce costs related to this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gout is currently the most frequent cause of inflammatory arthritis worldwide. It results from elevated serum urate and subsequent deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and other tissues. While many patients with gout can be managed with conventional agents (e.g., allopurinol, febuxostat), those with chronic refractory gout often fail to achieve treatment goals with these agents. Pegloticase is a recombinant, pegylated mammalian uricase developed for treatment of chronic refractory gout. Pegloticase is different than other urate lowering therapies in that it enzymatically degrades urate. Pegloticase has been evaluated in multiple studies, most importantly in two randomized controlled trials and a follow-up open-label extension. Extensive analysis of results from these studies has shown that pegloticase profoundly lowers serum urate, resolves tophi, reduces tender and swollen joint counts, decreases pain, and improves both patients' global assessments and quality of life. Pegloticase also significantly decreases blood pressure in patients with chronic refractory gout, but has no significant effect on renal function. Post hoc analyses of clinical results also indicated that chronic refractory gout patients not achieving sustained urate lowering still have significant clinical benefits with pegloticase treatment. The major limitation of pegloticase is immunogenicity and the emergence of anti-drug antibodies that result in increased drug clearance, loss of efficacy, and infusion reactions. However, these reactions can be avoided by stopping pegloticase when there is a loss of serum urate lowering. New dosing regimens and co-administration of immunosuppressive agents are also being employed to overcome this limitation and extend the benefits of pegloticase to a larger number of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• L'atteinte de la hanche chez les patients goutteux est inhabituelle et n'a été décrite que dans quelques rapports de cas. • D'après nos résultats, la détection à l'échographie des dépôts de cristaux d'urate au niveau de la hanche est courante chez les patients goutteux. • Nous pensons qu'un examen échographique de la hanche doit être envisagé chez les patients ayant une goutte suspectée afin d'assurer une prise en charge personnalisée. • La goutte est une arthropathie microcristalline caractérisée par la présence de dépôts de cristaux d'urate de sodium (UMS) dans les articulations et les tissus mous environnants (Kuo et al., 2015). Rechercher la prévalence échographique des dépôts de cristaux d'urate de sodium au niveau des hanches de patients goutteux et explorer l'association entre les images échographiques et les observations cliniques et sérologiques. Une échographie bilatérale de la hanche a été réalisée chez 40 patients consécutifs ayant reçu le diagnostic de goutte selon les derniers critères de classification de l'ACR/EULAR (American College of Rhumatology/European League Against Rheumatism) et 25 sujets témoins. La présence à l'échographie de dépôts de cristaux a été objectivée à l'aide des critères de l'OMERACT (International Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials) : agrégats et/ou tophus intra-articulaires localisés à la hanche et signe du « double contour » sur le cartilage hyalin de la tête fémorale. L'examen échographique a révélé des dépôts de cristaux dans au moins une hanche chez 17 des 40 patients (42,5 %) goutteux et chez 2 des 25 sujets témoins (8,0 %) (p = 0,0029). Les agrégats, le tophus et le signe du double contour ont été retrouvés dans au moins une hanche chez respectivement 13 (32,5 %), 6 (15,0 %) et 6 (15,0 %) des 40 patients goutteux. Une association modérée a été observée entre la durée de la maladie (p = 0,004, Rpb = 0,442), le nombre de crises de goutte au cours de l'année précédente (p = 0,029, Rpb = 0,346), la présence de tophus sous-cutanés (p = 0,037, V = 0,330) et les dépôts de cristaux à l'échographie. D'après nos résultats, la détection à l'échographie des cristaux d'urate de sodium au niveau de la hanche est courante chez les patients goutteux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the differential diagnosis of the leg ulcer, an entity hardly mentioned in the literature is considered, namely the gout ulcer. On the basis of a case study, newer forms of diagnosis and their significance in case of suspicion of gout ulcer are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gout, which is characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) in the synovial fluid and other tissues, is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. Unlike the easily recognized acute and monoarticular gouty arthritis, advanced gout induces multiple finger joint disorders and may sometimes mimic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or vice versa. The gold standard for gout diagnosis is the identification of MSU crystals via aspiration in the symptomatic joints or nodules; however, its feasibility and specificity may be inadequate. Recently, there have been important advances in imaging techniques, assisting in the non-invasive diagnosis of gout. Ultrasonography (US) has been known to have the ability to detect deposition of MSU crystals in patients with gout. Herein, we report an evocative case of long-standing gout with precisely detected specific US features indicating MSU crystal deposition and inflammation in multiple joints. Comprehensive US assessment included the bone, hyaline cartilage, soft tissue, subcutaneous nodules and tendon; we also discriminated gouty arthritis from RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gout is a chronic disorder caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in soft tissues. Tophi are granulomatous inflammatory responses to the deposited crystals and manifest as subcutaneous nodules, typically in the first metatarsophalangeal joint but also in the olecranon bursa, Achilles tendon, ears, and finger pulps. Case Report: A 56-year-old male presented to an outpatient clinic with an 8-month history of an expanding scrotal lesion. The patient had no significant family history but had a history of high blood pressure and gout, diagnosed at age 24 years, without current treatment. Excisional biopsy from the ulcerated area of the scrotum was performed for confirmatory diagnosis, and pathology reported gouty tophus. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this case is the first report of a scrotal manifestation of gouty tophus and the second of genital involvement. Awareness of the possibility of genital manifestations of this disease is important because although gouty tophi are rare, they can present in patients with long-term uncontrolled gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ultrasonography (US) and dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) can assess urate burden in gout. The objective of this study was to compare the quantification of urate deposition provided by US to the one provided by DECT. Methods Patients with a diagnosis of gout were prospectively recruited to undergo quantification of urate deposition using US and DECT. US examination for tophi and the double contour (DC) sign was performed on the knees and feet and corresponding DECT scans provided volumes of tophi and of overall urate deposition. The primary endpoint was the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) of the volume of the index tophus measured by US and DECT and its 95% confidence interval (CI 95%). Results Of the 64 patients included, 34 presented with at least one tophus on US. DECT inter-reader agreement for urate deposition was perfect with an ICC of 1 (1–1) and good for the measurement of the index tophus with an ICC of 0.69 (0.47–0.83). The ICC for the measurement of the index tophus between the two techniques was poor with a value of 0.45 (0.1–0.71). The average ratio between the index tophi volume as assessed by DECT and US was 0.65. The number of DC-positive joints did not correlate with DECT volume of overall deposits (Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.23). Conclusions DECT measurements of tophi give smaller volumes to the same tophi measured with US, and US signs of urate deposition in joints do not correlate with overall DECT volumes of extra-articular deposition.

Gout disease is an inflammatory disease triggered by monosodium urate monohydrate crystals that accumulate in tissues due to hyperuricemia, which usually seen in males over 40 years. Chronic obstructive polyarthritis and chronic gouty arthritis coursing with tophi may develop in patients who are not adequately treated. Tophi are frequently observed in hand-foot fingers, olecranon bursa, prepatellar bursa, ear helix and achilles tendon. As for that in our case, tophi were present in bilateral lumbar paravertebral muscles and left cervical paravertebral muscles in addition to hand-foot joints, ear helix and olecranon bursa. In the patient who started colchicine 1 mg/day and allopurinol 300 mg/day, the joint pain improved and the tofus in the ear helix disappeared completely at the 6th month control. In conclusion, it should be kept in mind to clinical practice that in chronic cases, tophi may localized in atypical regions other than classical localizations, and tophus may lead to joint destruction due to delayed treatment.

Déterminer la prévalence des signes échographiques spécifiques de la présence de dépôts de cristaux d'urate monosodique au sein de la région poplitée chez les patients atteints de goutte ; évaluer la précision diagnostique de l'échographie dans la détection des cristaux d'urate monosodique au niveau de la région poplitée, du tendon rotulien et du cartilage hyalin du genou ; déterminer la corrélation entre les images échographiques de la région poplitée et la présentation clinique. Une évaluation échographique bilatérale de la région poplitée, du tendon rotulien et du cartilage hyalin des condyles fémoraux a été réalisée chez 47 patients consécutifs atteints de goutte et 37 sujets témoins. Les signes échographiques spécifiques de la présence de cristaux d'urate monosodique (agrégats, tophus et signe du « double contour ») ont été identifiés selon les définitions des mesures de résultat en rhumatologie. Une ou plusieurs anomalies échographiques (agrégats et/ou tophus) ont été retrouvées au niveau d'au moins une fosse poplitée chez 23 des 47 patients atteints de goutte (48,9 %) et chez 4 des 37 témoins (10,8 %) (p < 0,001). La sensibilité, la spécificité et l'odds ratio diagnostique des images échographiques de la région poplitée, du tendon rotulien et du cartilage hyalin des condyles fémoraux étaient respectivement de 0,49/0,89/7,9, 0,62/0,81/6,9 et 0,30/1,0/32,0. Une corrélation significative a été établie entre l'aspect échographique de la région poplitée et les antécédents d'atteinte inflammatoire du genou (p < 0,001, V = 0,644) ainsi que le nombre de crises de goutte au cours de l'année précédente (p = 0,012, V = 0,434). Cette étude ouvre de nouvelles perspectives sur l'évaluation échographique des patients atteints de goutte en soulignant l'intérêt clinique de la région poplitée comme site de recueil des cristaux d'urate monosodique autrement indétectables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of the ultrasound findings indicative of monosodium urate crystal deposits at the hip joint in patients with gout and to explore the association between the ultrasound findings and the clinical and serological features.Methods: Bilateral ultrasound assessment of the hip joint was carried out in 40 consecutive patients with gout, diagnosed according to the latest Gout American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria, and 25 disease controls. Ultrasound evidence of crystal deposits was obtained using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology definitions: hip intra-articular aggregates and/or tophi, and "double contour" sign over the hyaline cartilage of the femoral head.Results: The ultrasound examination revealed crystal deposits in at least one hip in 17 out of 40 patients (42.5%) with gout, and in 2 out of 25 disease controls (8.0%) (P = 0.0029). Aggregates, tophi, and "double contour" sign were found in at least one hip in 13 (32.5%), 6 (15.0%) and 6 (15.0%) out of 40 patients with gout, respectively. A moderate association between disease duration (P = 0.004, Rpb = 0.442), number of gouty "attacks" in the previous year (P = 0.029, Rpb = 0.346), presence of subcutaneous tophi (P = 0.037, V = 0.330) and ultrasound crystal deposits was found.Conclusion: Our results indicate that detecting monosodium urate crystals by ultrasound is common at hip joint in patients with gout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound lesions of gout have been described in people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. However, the anatomical sites and ultrasound lesions most frequently involved in asymptomatic hyperuricemia have not yet been established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) elementary ultrasound lesions of gout (double contour, aggregates, tophus, erosion) at various sites in people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and to determine which sites and lesions discriminate from people with normouricemia. A systematic search of electronic databases, conference abstracts and reference lists was undertaken. Studies were included if they used ultrasound to image people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and reported ≥1 OMERACT-defined lesion of gout. Meta-analyses were undertaken for the pooled prevalence of site-specific lesions in people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, and the pooled odds ratios of these lesions compared to people with normouricemia. Twenty studies were included. The most common site scanned was the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1MTP) (n = 17 studies) and the most common lesion reported, the double contour (n = 18). Meta-analyses of pooled prevalence showed 1MTP double contour was the most frequent finding in people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–0.42), followed by femoral condyle double contour (0.16, 95%CI 0.08–0.24) and 1MTP tophus (0.16, 95%CI 0.03–0.29). The highest pooled odds ratios for asymptomatic hyperuricemia vs. normouricemia were 6.98 (95%CI 3.14–15.57) for 1MTP double contour, 13.67 (95%CI 5.42–34.49) for femoral condyle double contour and 6.10 (95%CI 1.55–24.04) for 1MTP tophus. In people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia, scanning of the 1MTP and femoral condyle for double contour, plus the 1MTP for tophus, has the highest prevalence and discrimination compared to those with normouricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this systematic literature review was to comprehensively describe the anatomical pathology of tissues affected by gout.Methods: We searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), and Web of Science Core Collection for all English language articles published before March 2018. Articles were included if they described the microscopic or macroscopic appearances of gout in human tissue.Results: Four hundred and seventeen articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Articles describing the anatomical pathology of gout in musculoskeletal structures, including bone, tendon and ligaments, synovium and cartilage, were most common. Articles describing skin and kidney pathology in gout were also common, with pathology in other sites such as visceral organs less common. At all sites, monosodium urate crystal deposition was reported, and the tophus was also described within many different tissues. During a gout flare, diffuse acute neutrophilic synovial inflammation was evident. The tophus was described as an organised chronic giant cell granulomatous structure consisting of monosodium urate crystals, innate and adaptive immune cells, and fibrovascular tissue.Conclusions: Consistent with the clinical presentation of gout, most studies describing the anatomical pathology of gout report involvement of musculoskeletal structures, with monosodium urate crystal deposition and tophus the most common lesions described. This review details the anatomical pathology features of gout at affected sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deposition of tophus is a common feature in chronic gout; however, signs and symptoms are not always well-pronounced in cases of uncommon sites. We report a case series of three patients, one with an acute locked knee suspected to be meniscus tear or intra-articular loose body, a second case with a lump on the dorsal hand suspected to be a benign lesion, and a third case with a finger flexion deformity with carpal tunnel syndrome; all three cases were later on found out to be tophaceous gout. White chalky monosodium urate crystal deposition was found to be the culprit of the symptoms of the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of the ultrasound findings indicating monosodium urate crystal deposits at the popliteal groove region in patients with gout; to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in detecting monosodium urate crystal deposits at the popliteal groove region, patellar tendon and the knee hyaline cartilage; to investigate the correlation between the ultrasound findings at the popliteal groove region and the clinical features.Methods: Bilateral ultrasound assessment of the popliteal groove region, patellar tendon and femoral condyles' hyaline cartilage was performed on 47 consecutive patients with gout and 37 controls. The ultrasound findings indicating monosodium urate crystals (aggregates, tophi and "double-contour" sign) were identified according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology definitions.Results: One or more ultrasound abnormalities (aggregates and/or tophi) were found in at least one popliteal groove region in 23 out of 47 patients with gout (48.9%) and in 4 out of 37 controls (10.8%) (P < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio of the ultrasound findings at the popliteal groove region, patellar tendon and at the femoral condyles' hyaline cartilage were 0.49/0.89/7.9, 0.62/0.81/6.9 and 0.30/1.0/32.0, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the ultrasound findings at the popliteal groove region and history of knee inflammatory involvement (P < 0.001, V = 0.644) and number of gouty "attacks" in the previous year (P = 0.012, V = 0.434).Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the ultrasound assessment of patients with gout, highlighting the clinical relevance of the popliteal groove region as an area of collection of otherwise undetectable monosodium urate crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article summarizes the relevant English literature on gout from 2010 through April 2017. It emphasizes that the current epidemiology of gout indicates a rising prevalence worldwide, not only in Western countries but also in Southeast Asia, in close relationship with the obesity and metabolic syndrome epidemics. New pathogenic mechanisms of chronic hyperuricaemia focus on the gut (microbiota, ABCG2 expression) after the kidney. Cardiovascular and renal comorbidities are the key points to consider in terms of management. New imaging tools are available, including US with key features and dual-energy CT rendering it able to reveal deposits of urate crystals. These deposits are now included in new diagnostic and classification criteria. Overall, half of the patients with gout are readily treated with allopurinol, the recommended xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI), with prophylaxis for flares with low-dose daily colchicine. The main management issues are related to patient adherence, because gout patients have the lowest rate of medication possession ratio at 1 year, but they also include clinical inertia by physicians, meaning XOI dosage is not titrated according to regular serum uric acid level measurements for targeting serum uric acid levels for uncomplicated (6.0 mg/dl) and complicated gout, or the British Society for Rheumatology recommended target (5.0 mg/dl). Difficult-to-treat gout encompasses polyarticular flares, and mostly patients with comorbidities, renal or heart failure, leading to contraindications or side effects of standard-of-care drugs (colchicine, NSAIDs, oral steroids) for flares; and tophaceous and/or destructive arthropathies, leading to switching between XOIs (febuxostat) or to combining XOI and uricosurics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]