Question

Jerome is a 38-year-old man who is considered obese. He loves red meat and wine. At the height of the attack his big toe was swollen and extremely painful. He also experienced nausea, fever, and chills. After approximately two hours from the onset of the attack, the symptoms are now subsiding. It's been over a year since he's had an episode. It's time to go see a doctor. Based on the most probable diagnosis, what test results would lead the doctor to this conclusion? Choose all that apply.

	a.	hyperuricemia
	b.	DEXA shows increased bone density
	c.	hypouricemia
	d.	monosodium urate crystals in his synovial fluid

Answer 1

The test result that would lead the doctor to come to the conclusion are

a. Hyperuricemia

d. monosodium urate crystals in his synovial fluid.

Hyperuricemia is a condition where the uric acid level is elevated. Purine breakdown into uric acid and is found in certain foods like red meat, seafood, beans. These excessive uric acids lead to the formation of crystals and show the symptoms of joint stiffness, redness, swelling, pain, nausea, fever or chills. The attack usually subsides in a short period of time and may occur repeatedly.

Monosodium urate crystals is a form of elevated uric acid accumulated in synovial fluid. It leads to the type of arthritis called Gout. The gout attack usually affects the joints of ankles, knee, wrist, and toes. The intense pain is present in toes compared to others and subsides within hours to days without medication. Obesity, meat, and alcohol intake are risk factors. symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness. This may reoccur over years.