Tophaceous gout is a medical condition characterised by the build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints and soft tissues. The spelling of the word "tophaceous" comes from the Greek word "tophos," meaning "a stone." It is pronounced /təˈfeɪʃəs/, with stress on the second syllable, and the phonetic transcription indicates a "t" followed by an "f" sound, representing the combined "ph" digraph. This condition, if untreated, can lead to severe pain, joint damage, and other complications. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential.
Tophaceous gout is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of urate crystals, called tophi, in the soft tissues of the body due to chronic hyperuricemia. Gout itself is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream, and tophaceous gout represents an advanced stage of the disease.
When uric acid levels become excessively high, urate crystals start to form and settle in joints, typically in the feet, specifically the big toe, causing sudden and severe episodes of pain, redness, and swelling known as gout attacks. If left untreated, these crystals can persist and gradually enlarge, leading to the development of tophi.
Tophi are generally painless and appear as firm, white or yellowish nodules under the skin. They can develop in various locations, but commonly affect the fingers, elbows, ears, and Achilles tendons. Over time, tophi can grow in size and erode surrounding tissues, potentially causing joint deformities and organ damage.
The diagnosis of tophaceous gout is typically made by evaluating the patient's medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Blood tests can also help confirm the presence of high uric acid levels. Treatment usually involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and weight management, as well as medications to control uric acid levels and alleviate symptoms.
Timely and appropriate management of tophaceous gout is crucial to prevent complications and maintain joint function. Long-term control of uric acid levels is essential in reducing the frequency and severity of gout attacks and slowing down the progression of tophi formation.
G. In which uratic deposits in and about the joints are marked.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tophaceous" is derived from the Greek word "tophos" meaning "lime" or "chalk". In medical terminology, "tophaceous" is used to describe the presence of small, hard, chalky deposits known as tophi.
The word "gout" stems from the Latin word "gutta", meaning "a drop". It was believed that gout was caused by the presence of "droplets" of some kind within the affected joints. This might refer to the belief that the pain and inflammation experienced during a gout attack were caused by the accumulation of some kind of "droplets" or "crystals" within the joint fluid.
Therefore, the term "tophaceous gout" is used to describe a specific stage or manifestation of gout in which tophi have formed.