Tophaceous gout causing atlanto-axial subluxation mimicking rheumatoid arthritis: a case report.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2005
Abstract
This is a case report of an extremely rare condition of atlanto-axial subluxation secondary to gouty arthritis, which mimicked rheumatoid arthritis at presentation. Gouty arthritis involving the spine is a rare condition. We highlight a case of gouty arthritis involving the atlanto-axial joint resulting in joint instability, subluxation, and neurological deficit. A 66-year-old obese woman who had a polyarticular disease for the previous 3 years presented with neck pain and progressive neurology. A 2-stage procedure was performed: posterior decompression and occipitocervical fusion followed by further anterior trans-oral decompression. However, after an initial neurological improvement, she succumbed to aspirational pneumonia and septicaemia. Atlanto-axial subluxation caused by gouty arthritis can present in the same way as rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the possibility of this as a differential diagnosis should be kept in mind.
Keywords
Aged, Arthritis, Gouty/complications
Divisions
Science
Publication Title
Journal of orthopaedic surgery (Hong Kong)
Volume
13
Issue
2
Additional Information
Department of Orthopaedic surgery, University Malaya Medical Centre