31st January 2024

Prevalence

Crystal arthritis is more common in men, with a 20:1 male-to-female ratio. It is associated with increasing age, co-morbidities, and certain medical therapies. Importantly, it can be seen in tumour lysis syndrome in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. 

Tumour lysis syndrome occurs commonly in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and acute leukaemia but can also arise in other forms of cancer. It can occur spontaneously but is also commonly due to intracellular components being released during cell death in those receiving chemotherapy. The contents released into the bloodstream results in hyperuricaemia, hyperkalaemia, hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia. The accumulation of urate can precipitate in joint spaces, causing gout.