Monosodium urate crystals show which type of birefringence?

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Prepare for the CMS II Rheumatology E1 Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

Monosodium urate crystals show which type of birefringence?

Explanation:
Monosodium urate crystals show negative birefringence under polarized light. Their needle-like shape combined with the color pattern seen with a first-order red compensator—yellow when the crystal’s long axis is parallel to the slow axis and blue when it is perpendicular—helps identify gout crystals. This negative birefringence also helps distinguish them from calcium pyrophosphate crystals, which are positively birefringent.

Monosodium urate crystals show negative birefringence under polarized light. Their needle-like shape combined with the color pattern seen with a first-order red compensator—yellow when the crystal’s long axis is parallel to the slow axis and blue when it is perpendicular—helps identify gout crystals. This negative birefringence also helps distinguish them from calcium pyrophosphate crystals, which are positively birefringent.

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