Simultaneous gout and pyarthrosis.

Although infrequently reported, the simultaneous occurrence of gout and infection in the same joint has been noted recently in three patients at the University of Virginia Hospital. Our report suggests that gout and pyarthrosis may coexist more often than is generally recognized and emphasizes the necessity of carefully searching for both conditions in an inflamed joint. The importance of adequately treating gout occurring with infection is also illustrated. Although speculative, factors such as synovial fluid pH, endotoxin, and enzymatic digestion of articular cartilage may predispose an infected joint to acute gout.