Korean J Spine.  2013 Sep;10(3):185-188. 10.14245/kjs.2013.10.3.185.

Tophaceous Gout of the Spine Causing Neural Compression

• Yoon JW
• Park KB
• Park H
• Kang DH
• Lee CH
• Hwang SH
• Jung JM
• Han JW
• Park IS

• KMID: 2140292
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14245/kjs.2013.10.3.185

Abstract

Gout is a common metabolic disease in which monosodium urate crystals called tophi develop. Spinal involvement in gout resulting in neural compression is unusual. We describe a case of a 64-year-old man with a history of gouty arthritis of the knee. The patient presented with thoracic myelopathy and radiculopathy. Imaging of the spine revealed an extradural mass lesion with bony erosion of the thoracic spine. A decompressive operation was performed, and a chalky white material was found. Histopathological examination confirmed a gouty tophus. The symptoms of spinal gout vary and its radiological features are not sufficiently specific to provide a definite diagnosis. Therefore, in patients with a history of gouty arthritis who present with neural compressive symptoms of the spine, spinal gout should be strongly suspected.

Keyword

Gout; Spine; Myelopathy; Radiculopathy

MeSH Terms

Arthritis, Gouty
Gout*
Humans
Knee
Metabolic Diseases
Middle Aged
Radiculopathy
Spinal Cord Diseases
Spine*
Uric Acid
Uric Acid