Imaging in gout

Identification of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals is the gold standard for gout diagnosis. Serum urate is an important test for both gout diagnosis and effective management. For all people with gout on urate-lowering therapy, the target urate concentration is less than 0.36 mmol/L (6 mg/dL). Blood tests may also assist with screening for co-morbid conditions in gout. Spot urine tests may assist in determining the basis for hyperuricaemia in people with gout. Microscopically, the tophus represents a chronic inflammatory granulomatous response to MSU crystal aggregates.