Light micrograph section through a human gout nodule showing gouty tophi. These consist of nodular masses of monosodium urate crystals deposited in the soft tissue of the body. They are a late complication of hyperuricemia and develop in more than half of people with untreated gout. The effects of tophi include pain, soft tissue damage, deformity, joint destruction and nerve compression, such as, carpel tunnel syndrome.