Gout Masquerading as Abscess of the Thenar Space

Abstract

To prove that gout is not a stereotyped disease, the authors report a case in which acute gout simulated an abscess of the thenar space. They suggest that the possibility of gout should be considered in diagnosing any poorly explained inflammatory process in or about a joint, tendon or bursa in a man more than 35 years old. Provocation, onset, site and pain are specific diagnostic points.