Coexistent rheumatoid arthritis and gout: a case series and review of the literature

Since 1964 to present, there have been more than 33 cases of concomitant rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout reported in the literature. The objective of this study is to present a case series of patients with coexistent rheumatoid arthritis and gout and to provide a review of the literature. A retrospective review of a rheumatology patient database at the University of Alberta was performed (2004–2017). Patient charts were reviewed and the 1987 ARA Revised Classification Criteria for RA and 1977 ARA Classification Criteria for gout were applied to each patient. For gout, positive monosodium urate crystals on synovial fluid analysis, synovial/node biopsy, or positive dual-energy CT-gout protocol were used to satisfy the diagnosis of gout if available. Thirteen patients were identified with both RA and gout (nine men and four women). The mean age was 68.6, while the mean age at the onset of first disease was 55.3 and onset of second disease was 64.4. Eight patients were initially diagnosed with RA and subsequently developed gout, while five patients were first diagnosed with gout and subsequently developed RA. Standard radiographs showed findings characteristic of RA and gout in affected joints. In joints affected by both diseases, the gout findings predominated and the RA changes were milder. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout do coexist in the same patient, contrary to popular belief. Understanding that both conditions can occur concomitantly is necessary for clinical awareness, especially in patients with polyarticular disease that is difficult to treat.