Crystal Arthropathy
A 52-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe pain, swelling, and erythema of his right first metatarsophalangeal joint. The symptoms began acutely 12 hours ago. He reports a similar episode 6 months ago that resolved with oral anti-inflammatories. He has a history of hypertension treated with hydrochlorothiazide and consumes alcohol regularly. Examination reveals an exquisitely tender, erythematous, swollen first MTP joint with overlying skin desquamation. Temperature is 37.8Ā°C. Regarding the diagnosis and management of this condition:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
Gout is caused by deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints and soft tissues; the firs...
Risk factors for gout include hyperuricemia, male sex, obesity, alcohol consumption (especially beer...
Joint aspiration is contraindicated during an acute gout attack due to risk of exacerbating inflamma...
Definitive diagnosis requires joint aspiration with identification of MSU crystals in synovial fluid...
Urate-lowering therapy (allopurinol, febuxostat) should not be initiated during an acute attack as i...
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Click T (True) or F (False) for each option