Anesthetic Considerations for a Unique Presentation of Acute Tophaceous Pulmonary Gout: A Case Report

Abstract

Gout is a common inflammatory condition characterized by deposition of crystals in tissues throughout the body. Diagnosis is based on clinical features and may be confirmed by visualization of negatively birefringent monosodium urate crystals under polarized light microscopy. In cases of gout, polarized light microscopy can reveal negatively birefringent monosodium urate crystals. Though gout is common in joints few cases have been described elsewhere in the body. This paper describes a male patient at his early 80s who developed acute tophaceous pulmonary gout. This case report will highlight an uncommon manifestation of gout and discuss the anesthetic management considerations for these patients.