Clinical Medicine III – Crystal Arthropathy Q&A (25 Questions) | 2025 | Gout vs. Pseudogout, Crystals, Treatment

This exam-focused document provides 25 expertly verified Q&A on crystal-induced arthropathies, as covered in the Clinical Medicine III course. It details the core distinctions between gout and pseudogout, including crystal type, birefringence, shape, and biochemical composition (monosodium urate vs. calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate). Treatment protocols are also reviewed, including first-line and chronic management strategies such as NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, colchicine, allopurinol, and probenecid. Mechanisms of action for these medications are clearly outlined, including xanthine oxidase inhibition and uric acid reabsorption blockade. Clinical emphasis is placed on diagnostic confirmation via synovial fluid analysis, therapeutic risk (e.g., colchicine toxicity), and the pathophysiological origin of urate accumulation (under-excretion vs. overproduction). This resource is ideal for medical students, nursing students, PA programs, and learners preparing for exams or rotations in rheumatology, internal medicine, or emergency care. Keywords: gout, pseudogout, crystal arthropathy, monosodium urate, calcium pyrophosphate, negatively birefringent, positively birefringent, spear-shaped crystals, rhomboid crystals, NSAIDs, colchicine, allopurinol, probenecid, xanthine oxidase, uric acid, joint inflammation, synovial fluid, anti-inflammatory therapy