Lesions resembling gout in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Although roentgenographic appearances are seldom important in establishing the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or gout, atypical appearances of individual lesions may confuse the distinction between these two conditions. Sixteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis were selected to illustrate joint and soft tissue lesions which resemble gout. The lesions are divided into five broad categories on the basis of the appearance and sites of bone erosion as well as the nature of soft tissue changes. Symmetrical bilateral joint involvement was found to be especially helpful in distinguishing rheumatoid arthritis from gout.