A Diagnostic Challenge: Gout Mimics Septic Arthritis in a CKD Patient

Najlaa Al-Sudani^1,

¹Department of Internal medicine, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, Texas, USA

Cite this paper:
Najlaa Al-Sudani. A Diagnostic Challenge: Gout Mimics Septic Arthritis in a CKD Patient. American Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2025; 13(4):22-25. doi: 10.12691/ajmcr-13-4-1

Abstract

Gout and septic arthritis share similar clinical characteristics, including acute joint pain, swelling, fever, and increased inflammatory markers, which make the diagnosis and differentiation more complicated. This challenge is further exacerbated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who are at risk for both crystal arthropathy and infections. We present a 73-year-old male with CKD stage 3 who initially presented with monoarthritis and systemic symptoms suggestive of septic arthritis; however, synovial fluid analysis showed monosodium urate crystals and sterile cultures. His history of recurrent gout supported the final diagnosis. Following corticosteroid treatment, the patient had rapid improvement in symptoms. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties and the essential role of synovial fluid analysis in differentiating gout from septic arthritis in CKD patients, stressing the need for a high index of suspicion and tailored management.

Keywords:
Acute gout Chronic kidney disease Diagnostic challenge Differential diagnosis Gout mimicking infection Monoarthritis Septic arthritis Synovial fluid analysis

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