When Crystal Arthropathy Presents as Blood Poisoning

Abstract

Gout, or monosodium urate crystal deposition, is a common presentation in adults usually affecting the great toe. Gout is caused by an elevated level of uric acid in the blood, which leads to painful crystal deposition in the joints. Common causes of gout are Hypertension (HTN), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), alcohol use, diuretics, and high purine meals such as red meat or seafood. Gout flares present with sudden onset pain, warmth, and swelling in a single joint. These symptoms are very similar to an acute septic joint presentation. This case will demonstrate the workup required to differentiate between the two pathologies.