The first gout attack is usually monoarticular. True or False?

The first gout attack is usually monoarticular. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in women
• D. Only in elderly

Answer: (A)

This question tests the typical pattern of the first gout episode. Gout usually presents as an abrupt, extremely painful inflammatory arthritis in a single joint, making it monoarticular. The classic initial attack targets the first metatarsophalangeal joint (the big toe), known as podagra, due to monosodium urate crystal deposition triggering a strong neutrophil-driven inflammatory response in that joint. While future flares can involve additional joints and become polyarticular, the initiating attack is most often confined to one joint. So the statement is true.

This question tests the typical pattern of the first gout episode. Gout usually presents as an abrupt, extremely painful inflammatory arthritis in a single joint, making it monoarticular. The classic initial attack targets the first metatarsophalangeal joint (the big toe), known as podagra, due to monosodium urate crystal deposition triggering a strong neutrophil-driven inflammatory response in that joint. While future flares can involve additional joints and become polyarticular, the initiating attack is most often confined to one joint. So the statement is true.