Tophus
Tophus
Tophus (pronunciation: /ˈtɒfəs/), is a term used in the field of medicine to describe a deposit of uric acid crystals, in the form of a hard nodule, that is often associated with severe cases of gout. The term is derived from the Greek word 'tophos', meaning 'stone'.
Etymology
The word 'Tophus' is derived from the Greek word 'tophos', which translates to 'stone'. This is a fitting description as a tophus is a hard, stone-like deposit.
Description
A tophus is a deposit of monosodium urate crystals that forms in the soft tissue around a joint affected by gout. These deposits can also form in other tissues throughout the body, including the ears, heart, and kidneys. The presence of tophi is often indicative of chronic, or long-term, gout.
Symptoms
Tophi are usually painless, but they can become tender and swollen during gout attacks. They can also cause joint deformity and can lead to joint damage if left untreated.
Treatment
Treatment for tophi involves managing the underlying gout. This can include medication to lower uric acid levels, dietary changes, and in some cases, surgical removal of the tophus.
Related Terms
- Gout: A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot, and swollen joint.
- Uric Acid: A heterocyclic compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen with the formula C5H4N4O3. It forms ions and salts known as urates and acid urates, such as ammonium acid urate.
- Monosodium Urate: The sodium salt of uric acid, and the substance that forms crystals in the joints and tissues in cases of gout.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tophus
- Wikipedia's article - Tophus
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