The utility of dual energy computed tomography in the management of axial gout: case reports and literature review

BACKGROUND: Severe spinal pain is an unusual presentation of gout. Due to its rarity and the difficulty of obtaining joint fluid or tissue for crystal analysis, dual energy computed tomography (DECT) may be a useful imaging modality in the management of axial gout. CASE PRESENTATION: Two patients independently presented to a major teaching hospital with severe spinal pain subsequently shown to be due to gout. The first patient presented with back pain and fevers and was initially thought to have lumbar facet joint septic arthritis. The second case presented with severe back pain. In both cases, DECT suggested monosodium urate deposition in spinal tissues as the cause of their presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Axial gout should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe spinal pain. A DECT study may be a useful diagnostic tool in the management of spinal gout.