Which type of crystals would be seen in the synovial fluid of a patient with gout?

• A. Gram negative rods
• B. Gram positive cocci
• C. Red blood cells
• D. Monosodium urate crystals

Answer: (D)

The presence of monosodium urate crystals in the synovial fluid is indicative of gout, a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the body. Gout occurs when there is an excess of uric acid that crystallizes in the joints, leading to acute inflammatory episodes. These monosodium urate crystals can be identified under polarized light microscopy, where they appear as needle-shaped and exhibit negative birefringence, a hallmark of gout. Recognizing these crystals is essential for the diagnosis and management of gout, as their presence helps differentiate it from other types of arthritis, such as pseudogout, which is associated with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. Understanding the pathophysiology and crystal morphology is crucial in the clinical setting for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.