[Gouty arthritis of the wrist. Five case reports]

Gout is rarely localized to the wrist. Based on five new cases of this condition and literature review, the authors outline the clinical and radiographic signs which differentiate gout from other causes of isolated unilateral chronic synovitis of the wrist. On the clinical basis, this localization was the first appearance of the disease in three of the five cases. On the X-rays, large defects and joint destructions were present. A scapholunate dissociation was evident in 4/5 cases with sometimes bone condensation. Other diagnoses should be eliminated as chondrocalcinosis, rheumatoid arthritis or wrist infections in subacute forms. Final diagnosis is provided by histological examination, demonstrating specific microcrystals.