2015 ACR/EULAR Gout Classification Criteria

Applies the 2015 ACR/EULAR criteria to classify gout in a patient with at least one peripheral joint or bursa episode (entry criterion), for research/standardization, not a substitute for clinical or crystal-proven diagnosis.

Entry criterion: ≥ 1 episode of swelling, pain, or tenderness in a peripheral joint or bursa

Sufficient criterion: MSU crystals present in a symptomatic joint, bursa, or tophus

Pattern of joint/bursa involvement (ever)

Characteristics present (erythema overlying joint; cannot bear touch/pressure; great difficulty walking / inability to use joint)

Time course of typical episode(s) (ever)

Clinical evidence of tophus

Serum urate (highest value, off urate-lowering therapy)

Synovial fluid analysis of symptomatic joint/bursa (by a trained observer)

Imaging evidence of urate deposition (US double-contour sign OR DECT urate deposition)

Imaging evidence of gout-related joint damage (radiograph erosion: cortical break, sclerotic margin, overhanging edge)