Crystal deposition disease as an unusual cause of knee pain in an adult male: Report of a rare case

Abstract

Abstract Gout is a monosodium urate crystal deposit disease which generally occurs in middle aged male and post-menopausal females. It is typically characterized by episodic acute and chronic arthritis due to deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and connective tissue. Palpable deposits of crystals known as tophi may form particularly around joints but also elsewhere. This is a single case based prospective work-up and follow up study done at our institute of a middle-aged male having chronic right knee pain since 1 year year. Meticulous history and clinical examination ,laboratory investigations were done like ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (c- reactive protein) and radiological investigation including plain radiograph and MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) right knee was done and was suggestive of giant cell tumor of patella. Excision and curettage of the lesion was done and sample was sent for HPE (histopathological examination) which showed fibrocartilaginous tissue with features of gouty arthritis. Serum uric acid was done which came out to be raised (10.14 mg/dl). At final follow-up patient had satisfactory outcome. It is important to have in mind that tophus of patella can cause chronic knee pain in patients with gouty arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Patients with tophaceous gout require strict disease control and close follow-up.