Open AccessMisdiagnosis of a chylous cyst as chest wall gouty tophus: A case of true pseudogout
Author(s) -
Adhikesavan Leena G.,
Ayoub William T.,
Schumacher H. Ralph
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.22957
Subject(s) - chyle , medicine , thoracic duct , gout , pseudogout , gouty arthritis , radiology , surgery , pathology , lymph , complication
A patient referred to us for recurrent chest wall gouty tophus, but who was determined to actually have a chylous cyst, is described herein. Chylous cysts of the neck or chest wall can be caused by thoracic duct injury. Chyle contains 4–40 gm/liter of lipids, mostly triglycerides, and these can form birefringent crystals upon drying, leading to a false diagnosis of gout.