# An Unusual Initial Presentation of Gout at the Wrist: Extensor Tenosynovitis With Dual-Energy CT and MRI Correlation

**Authors:** Kwan Kit Chan, Wai Hoi Chan

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94385 · Cureus · 2025-10-12

## TL;DR

A 34-year-old man with wrist pain had gout diagnosed using advanced imaging techniques like dual-energy CT and MRI.

## Contribution

This case highlights the rare initial presentation of gout at the wrist and the diagnostic utility of multimodal imaging.

## Key findings

- Dual-energy CT identified monosodium urate crystal deposits in extensor tendons.
- MRI showed tenosynovitis and tophus infiltration, aiding surgical planning.
- Postoperative recovery resolved symptoms, confirming the diagnosis.

## Abstract

Gout involving the wrist as an initial presentation is uncommon, especially when manifesting as extensor tenosynovitis with tophaceous deposits. We present the case of a 34-year-old male with chronic wrist pain and a dorsal wrist mass whose diagnosis was established through multimodal imaging, including dual-energy CT (DECT) and MRI. DECT effectively identified monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposits in the extensor tendons, while MRI demonstrated tenosynovitis and tophus infiltration, guiding surgical synovectomy. Postoperative recovery was favourable with the resolution of symptoms. This report highlights the diagnostic challenges of wrist gout and underscores the value of advanced imaging techniques in early detection and operative planning.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** monosodium urate (PubChem CID 23690430)
- **Diseases:** gout (MONDO:0005393)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Gout (MESH:D006073), Extensor Tenosynovitis (MESH:D013717), chronic wrist pain (MESH:D059350), dorsal wrist mass (MESH:D014954)
- **Chemicals:** MSU (MESH:D014527)

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

13 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12603964/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12603964