tophus

Etiology: 1) may occur in gout 2) may refer to sialolithiasis Pathology: - deposit of uric acid in periarticular fibrous tissue, cartilage of the external ear or kidney Clinical manifestations: - painless, persistent, generally noninflammatory nodules - many be palpable on physical examination - may occur within joints or non-palpable tissues - acute gouty flares may occur at sites of tophi Radiology: - X-ray of affected joint(s) - tophi appear as hyperdense soft tissue swellings - calcifications may appear within tophi - ultrasound is the most sensitive method to detect tophi Management: - see gout

Related

gout sialolithiasis (salivary stone)

References

- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 15, American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2009