The disease most frequently associated with an abnormal uric acid metabolism is gout.1, 2This association is based upon deposits of uric acid in the joints and connective tissue of gouty patients, usually in the presence of hyperuricemia.3While the etiologic factors are unknown, it is generally agreed that the hyperuricemia is caused by endogenous factors in lieu of exogenous or renal factors. Additional observations which complicate the picture are: (a) the gouty diathesis may be present with4or without5an increase in the level of serum uric acid; (b) hyperuricemia occurs in families where gout has not been recognized.6...