Tophaceous gout in the cervical spine

Intern Med. 2012;51(3):325-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.51.6262. Epub 2012 Feb 1.

Abstract

A 58-year-old woman with a three-year progressive history of chronic arthritis, had become disabled due to general malaise and fever. Her laboratory data revealed hyperuricemia and elevated levels of C-reactive protein. Neither rheumatoid factor nor anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies were present. We diagnosed her with tophaceous gout with uric crystalline revealed by the arthrocentesis of the elbow. (99m)Tc scintigraphy also disclosed a significant uptake in the cervical spine. The CT of the patient's cervical spine revealed significant bone erosion and destruction. We diagnosed the cervical involvement of gout based on the exclusion of infections and sarcoidosis. Rheumatologists should be aware of this rare association.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Gout / diagnostic imaging*
  • Gout / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Spinal Diseases / metabolism