How to identify tophite

Tophites can be identified by symptoms, imaging, laboratory, and pathological examinations.

1. Symptoms Tophites

usually occur around joints, auricles, fingers, and toes. They appear as hard subcutaneous nodules or masses, which may be painful or tender. These nodules vary in size and may gradually increase or merge.

2. Imaging examinations such

as X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to detect and evaluate tophites. In these examinations, tophites may appear as typical features.

3. Laboratory examination of

persistently elevated blood uric acid levels is suggestive of the diagnosis of tophites, but not the only basis for diagnosis.

4. Pathological examination

When necessary, tissue specimens can be obtained by puncture or surgery to determine whether they contain urate crystals, which is the gold standard for the diagnosis of tophites.