Female premenopausal tophaceous gout induced by long-term diuretic abuse

We describe 3 cases of tophaceous gout affecting premenopausal women. The only precipitating factor to be found was the chronic and unnecessary overuse of furosemide, apparently resulting from a psychological profile of anorexia nervosa. Our cases emphasize the need for physicians to look for hidden abuse of diuretics in the presence of gouty arthritis in menstruating women, especially if tophi are noted.