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Intra-abdominal gout mimicking pelvic abscess
Chia-Hui Chen1, Clement Kuen-Huang Chen, Lee-Ren Yeh
1Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, and School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. chiachen@yahoo.com.tw
Skeletal Radiology
|March 22, 2005
Summary
We report a rare case of intrapelvic gouty tophi in a patient with chronic gouty arthritis. This unusual presentation mimicked a pelvic abscess on imaging, highlighting the importance of considering gout in differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
- Gout Diagnosis
Background:
- Gout, a common crystal-induced arthritis, typically affects extremities.
- Tophi, urate crystal deposits, usually manifest in toes and fingers.
- Chronic gouty arthritis patients are at risk for atypical tophi formation.
Observation:
- An unusual case of intrapelvic tophaceous gout was identified.
- Imaging revealed calcified gouty tophi around the hips.
- A cystic lesion with peripheral enhancement was noted in the pelvic cavity.
Findings:
- Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed intrapelvic gouty tophi.
- The intra-abdominal tophus presented as a cystic lesion mimicking a pelvic abscess.
- Diagnosis required distinguishing tophaceous gout from infectious or neoplastic processes.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for atypical tophi locations in chronic gout.
- Radiologists and clinicians should consider gout in the differential diagnosis of intrapelvic masses.
- Accurate diagnosis of gouty tophi is crucial for appropriate management and avoiding unnecessary interventions.