Spinal Gout Diagnosed by Dual-Energy CT: A Case Report

Axial gout is an atypical presentation of gout caused by monosodium urate deposition in the axial skeleton. Spinal gout presents nonspecifically and can be a difficult diagnosis. The diagnosis of gout is a clinical one, with imaging and labs providing supporting evidence. Current imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and X-ray can be nonspecific and lead to invasive procedures for diagnosis. Dual-energy computed tomography allows clear visualization of urate collection and is a valuable tool to make a confident diagnosis of spinal gout. Here, we present a case of a man with longstanding severe gout in which dual-energy computed tomography played a key role in diagnosis.