Key result
Pyarthrosis complicating gout in an elderly man with staphylococcal septicemia was successfully diagnosed via meticulous examination of synovial fluid and bacteriologic studies.
Case Report (n=1)
Highlights the importance of meticulous synovial fluid examination to distinguish pyarthrosis from acute gout flares in patients with chronic gout.
May warrant detailed synovial fluid analysis in gout with suspected infection; leaves open need for confirmatory studies.
Pyarthrosis complicating gout is unusual, and not often recognized. An elderly man with chronic tophaceous gout developed staphylococcal septicemia, complicated by multiple areas of sepsis in joints and bursae known to contain sodium biurate crystals. The clinical and laboratory features simulated the acute gout that often accompanies surgery or other severe systemic disease. The true nature of the problem was discovered by meticulous examination of the synovial fluid, including identification of crystals, and appropriate bacteriologic studies.
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R. J. Hess (1971) conducted a case report in Pyarthrosis complicating gout (n=1). Staphylococcal septicemia was evaluated. Pyarthrosis complicating gout in an elderly man with staphylococcal septicemia was successfully diagnosed via meticulous examination of synovial fluid and bacteriologic studies.
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