In simple words: Idiopathic gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe pain and swelling in joints, usually the big toe. It happens when your body has too much uric acid, forming crystals in the joints. The exact cause is unknown, but it's likely a mix of genes and lifestyle. If not treated, it can cause permanent joint damage.

Idiopathic gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis, primarily affecting the big toe (podagra), but also other joints. It is caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues, resulting from hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels in the blood). Idiopathic means the underlying cause of the hyperuricemia is unknown, although a combination of genetic predisposition, impaired renal excretion of uric acid, and lifestyle factors (diet, alcohol consumption) are implicated. Chronic gout refers to the long-term persistence of the disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to joint damage, deformity, and the formation of tophi (nodules of uric acid crystals under the skin).

Example 1: A 55-year-old male presents with chronic swelling, pain, and limited mobility in his right big toe, consistent with idiopathic gout., A 40-year-old female experiences sudden onset of excruciating pain and inflammation in her left ankle, later diagnosed as idiopathic gout., A 60-year-old male with a history of idiopathic gout develops tophi on his elbows.

Documentation should include the location and laterality of the affected joint(s), severity of symptoms, presence of tophi, relevant medical history (including dietary factors, alcohol use, medications), laboratory and imaging findings, and response to treatment.

** Distinguishing between acute and chronic gout is crucial for proper management. Chronic gout (M1A.-) is coded separately.