Thoracic cord compression due to ligamentum flavum gouty tophus: a case report ... - Nature.com

Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China Correspondence: Dr Z-F Zheng, Department of Nephrology General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, No. 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052,... Received 5 March 2015. Accepted 7 April 2015. Advance online publication 16 June 2015. Methods: We report the case of a 56-year-old male with history of peripheral gout and renal insufficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine revealed hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum at the level of T3 Predisposing factors for an acute attack include trauma, surgery, increasing alcohol intake, high levels of intake of meat and fish... Tophaceous gout is characterized by precipitation of urate crystals in the joints and periarticular tissues, and deposits commonly are found in the metatarsophalangeal joints, ankles, knees, wrists, fingers and shoulders. Gouty arthritis of the axial joints, particularly of the spine, is very rare. King et al. reviewed the records of reported cases of axial gouty tophi and ~44. Case presentation A 54-year-old Chinese male with a 12-year history of gout and hyperuricemia reported a 3-day history of lower limb edema and elevated serum creatinine. Tophaceous deposits were present in the hands and toes for at least 5 years. Furthermore, the patient reported high alcohol intake spanning 20 years. Source: www.nature.com