Pyarthrosis Complicating Gout

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.