Inaugural cervical spinal location of gout: A case report

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Orthopedics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Gout is a common crystalline arthropathy resulting from hyperuricemia.
• Typically affects peripheral joints, with spinal involvement being exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old patient presented with symptoms initially suggestive of cervical spondylodiscitis and epiduritis.
• This presentation was unusual given the typical distribution of gouty arthritis.

Findings:

• Diagnostic workup confirmed the cervical condition was caused by gout.
• This represents a rare initial manifestation of gout in the spine.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering gout in the differential diagnosis of spinal infections, even with atypical presentations.
• Suggests that prolonged hyperuricemia may lead to unusual inflammatory patterns in gout.