Chronic Tophaceous Gout of the Calf Mimicking Deep Venous Thrombosis

Abstract

Gout is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperuricemia, recurrent attacks of acute arthritis and deposits of monosodium urate monohydrate (tophi). Gouty tophi typically deposit in the peripheral regions of the body, especially in toes and fingers. However, it can form at unusual sites and present with atypical clinical features. We here report a very rare case of patient with chronic gout who developed tophi on the calf and mimicking thrombophlebitis. She was successfully treated with drainage, colchicine and hypouricemic agents. We suggest that large tophi on the calf can be a very rare clinical feature of chronic gout and need careful attention for exact diagnosis and proper treatment.