Uric acid crystals in gout, SEM - stock illustration

False colour scanning electron micrograph of needle-like crystals of sodium urate collected from a tophus (hard deposit of crystalline uric acid & its salts) from a patient with gout (gouty arthritis). Gout is a disease in which a defect in uric acid metabolism causes an excess of the acid & its salts (sodium urate) to accumulate in the bloodstream and the joints. These collect in the joint capsules causing an acute inflammation, with accompanying swelling, redness & pain. Gout is associated with 'excessive living'. Treatment involves the use of drugs & a warning against rich food & alcohol. Magnification: X 2000 at 10cm wide.