29th April 2024

A 55-year-old woman presents with an acute onset of severe pain, swelling, and redness in her left knee.

A 55-year-old woman presents with an acute onset of severe pain, swelling, and redness in her left knee. She reports having experienced similar episodes in the past, particularly affecting her right knee, which typically resolve within a week. Her medical history includes type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Upon physical examination, her left knee appears swollen, warm, and erythematous, with her range of motion significantly limited by pain.

Investigations:

Synovial fluid analysis reveals the presence of positively birefringent, rhomboid-shaped crystals.

Which is the most likely diagnosis?