Gouty Tophus in the Scrotum: An Unusual Extra-Articular Manifestation of Gout

Abstract

Background: Gout is a chronic disorder caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in soft tissues. Tophi are granulomatous inflammatory responses to the deposited crystals and manifest as subcutaneous nodules, typically in the first metatarsophalangeal joint but also in the olecranon bursa, Achilles tendon, ears, and finger pulps. Case Report: A 56-year-old male presented to an outpatient clinic with an 8-month history of an expanding scrotal lesion. The patient had no significant family history but had a history of high blood pressure and gout, diagnosed at age 24 years, without current treatment. Excisional biopsy from the ulcerated area of the scrotum was performed for confirmatory diagnosis, and pathology reported gouty tophus. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this case is the first report of a scrotal manifestation of gouty tophus and the second of genital involvement. Awareness of the possibility of genital manifestations of this disease is important because although gouty tophi are rare, they can present in patients with long-term uncontrolled gout.