# Auricular Tophaceous Gout Resembling Calcinosis Cutis in a Young Male: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A young man had hard nodules on his ears that were diagnosed as gout tophi, not calcinosis cutis, highlighting the need for careful testing to avoid misdiagnosis.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare instance of auricular tophaceous gout mimicking calcinosis cutis in a young male.

## Key findings

- A 36-year-old male had painless, hard, white nodules on both auricles for two years.
- Hyperuricemia and histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of auricular tophaceous gout.
- The case emphasizes the importance of correlating clinical, biochemical, and histopathological data for accurate diagnosis.

## Abstract

Gout is an inflammatory disorder resulting from the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in body tissues. Chronic or undertreated gout can progress to tophaceous gout. Although it most commonly affects the joints, auricular involvement is rare and can be misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as calcinosis cutis. We report a case of a 36-year-old male with a two-year history of slowly growing, painless, hard, white nodules on both auricles. Laboratory investigations revealed hyperuricemia, and histopathological examination demonstrated features consistent with gout tophi. Based on the clinical, biochemical, and histopathological findings, a final diagnosis of auricular tophaceous gout was established. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical presentations of gout, particularly when mimicking calcinosis cutis. Auricular tophi should be considered in patients with persistent hard auricular nodules and hyperuricemia. Clinical, biochemical, and histopathological correlation is essential for establishing a definitive diagnosis.