Gout: radiographic findings mimicking infection.
OBJECTIVE
To describe radiographic features of gout that may mimic infection.


METHODS
We report five patients with acute bacterial gout who presented with clinical as well as radiological findings mimicking acute bacterial septic arthritis or osteomyelitis. Three patients had delay in the appropriate treatment with the final diagnosis being established after needle aspiration and identification of urate crystals under polarized light microscopy. Two patients underwent digit amputation for not responding to antibiotic treatment and had histological findings confirming the diagnosis of gout.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important for the radiologist to be aware of the radiological manifestations of acute gout that can resemble infection in order to avoid inappropriate diagnosis and delay in adequate treatment. The definitive diagnosis should rely on needle aspiration and a specific search for urate crystals.
Rousseau
I
I
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Hôpital Notre-Dame, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Cardinal E
E
E
Raymond-Tremblay
D
D
Beauregard
C G
CG
Braunstein
E M
EM
Saint-Pierre
A
A
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015210:Arthritis, Gouty / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006073:Gout / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors