Gout is caused by crystals of which substance?

Gout is caused by crystals of which substance?

• A. Monosodium urate crystals
• B. Calcium pyrophosphate crystals
• C. Hydroxyapatite crystals
• D. Cholesterol crystals

Answer: (A)

Gout occurs when uric acid builds up and deposits as monosodium urate crystals in joints and soft tissues. These crystals are needle-shaped and appear negatively birefringent under polarized light, a hallmark that helps distinguish gout from other crystal-induced arthropathies. This crystal-driven inflammation explains the sudden, painful joint swelling typical of gout, often hitting the big toe. The other crystals are associated with different conditions: calcium pyrophosphate crystals cause pseudogout, hydroxyapatite crystals with calcific tendinopathy, and cholesterol crystals relate to other inflammatory processes rather than gout.

Gout occurs when uric acid builds up and deposits as monosodium urate crystals in joints and soft tissues. These crystals are needle-shaped and appear negatively birefringent under polarized light, a hallmark that helps distinguish gout from other crystal-induced arthropathies. This crystal-driven inflammation explains the sudden, painful joint swelling typical of gout, often hitting the big toe. The other crystals are associated with different conditions: calcium pyrophosphate crystals cause pseudogout, hydroxyapatite crystals with calcific tendinopathy, and cholesterol crystals relate to other inflammatory processes rather than gout.