Gout is caused by the precipitation of monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals in the joints and in other tissues. Although direct observations of MSU crystals as they form on tissues are lacking, morphological findings and comparison with the physiological process of biomineralization suggests possible mechanisms of pathological MSU crystal formation and the conditions that might favour the nucleation and growth of crystals at particular anatomical sites.
- Eliseo Pascual
- Lia Addadi
- Francisca Sivera
