MEDizzy - the patient described in the above question, you perform an

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Chronic conditions

the patient described in the above question, you perform an arthrocentesis. The fluid analysis reveals rhomboid-shaped positively birefringent crystals. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

ExplanationThe crystals typical of gout are needle-shaped and have negative birefringence. They are made of monosodium urate monohydrate. The crystals of pseudogout are made from calcium pyrophosphate, are rhomboid-shaped, and demonstrate positive birefringence. Infectious arthritis, OA, and RA would not present with crystals in the joint aspirate. Pseudogout and gout are rarely distinguishable based on symptoms alone and require synovial fluid analysis to accurately make the diagnosis.