The relation between gout and uric acid is such that in general clinical practice there is a tendency (diminishing) to misdiagnose gout in the presence of hyperuricaemia. Conversely the diagnosis of gout may be rejected when a normal serum uric acid (SUA) value is found. Given that a high proportion of estimations are made at the time of the acute episode a correct diagnosis may depend on a practitioner’s knowledge of the fact that the SUA may be within the ‘normal range’ at this time. Most, if not all rheumatologists, are aware of this fact, although the emphasis in current general and rheumatological publications and text books is that this is an unusual occurrence.1 ,2 We have conducted …