Tophi at helix of ear.
Tophi or deposits of uric acid crystals are often found around joints, in the olecranon bursa or at the pinna of the ear.
X-ray showing soft tissue swelling and erosion of 2nd PIP.
Chronic Gouty Tophi
After years of gouty attacks, patients will develop a chronic arthritis resulting in bone and cartilage destruction and deformity. Uric acid crystals deposit within and surrounding the joint causing a chronic destructive inflammatory process. X-rays characteristically show well demarcated "punched out" erosions.
X-ray showing soft tissue swelling and erosion of 2nd PIP.
X-ray showing soft tissue swelling and erosion of 2nd PIP.