0
Gout is a recurrent disease but it may be months or years between each bout.
The diagnosis is usually straightforward in the middle-aged male but may be missed in a woman or in a young man, particularly if some other joint is involved. Usually the level of uric acid in the blood will be high. X-rays may not show any changes in the early stages.
Aspiration of the joint by inserting a needle and withdrawing fluid for examination may reveal the true diagnosis. The crystals of urate can be seen and identified.
If untreated, gout attacks may become more frequent. But the concern is for the long-term complications — urate crystals laid down as tophi may disrupt the joints and lead to deformity; kidney damage may occur and lead eventually to failure.
High blood pressure and hardening of the arteries are both associated with the kidney changes.
*384/71/1*
Back to top