The spine and polytopic hyperostoses in gout and hyperuricemia

Investigations were made on a total of 92 patients with gout and hyperuricemia. 30% had no clinical signs of spinal involvement. The remaining 70% were examined radiologically and by xeroradiography. Examination revealed signs of erosion of vertebral bodies, spondylodiscitis, osteopenia, manifestations of Forestier's disease and changes on sacroiliac joints. In 52% of subjects there were polytopic hyperostoses including an increased incidence of calcifications around the large joints and periostal appositions at the periphery, particularly on the finger and toe tips. The hypothesis was raised that massive calcifications and manifestations of hyperostosis and ossification of the ligaments and tendons (osteodesmoses) in gout may correlate with a latent glycide metabolism disorder like in Forestier's disease. (orig.)