A polarized light microscopic study of joint fluid demonstrates negative birefringent crystals. What is the diagnosis?
- rheumatoid arthritis
- septic arthritis
- pseudogout gout
- aseptic arthritis
- gout
Answer: E
Gout
Uric acid (gout) is “Needle-shaped crystals with Negative birefringence) Calcium Pyrophosphate (pseudogout) is Prism-shaped crystals with Positive birefringence.
Know Your Content Blueprint
Gout/pseudogout are covered as part of the PANCE Musculoskeletal Blueprint
Review Topic: Gout/pseudogout