New Developments in Imaging in Crystalline Arthritis.

Ralf G Thiele

Journal: Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America 2024;50(4):683-700

PMID: 39415374

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Crystalline arthropathies are among the most frequently encountered conditions in medicine. Joint aspiration and microscopy used to be the diagnostic gold standard, but recent recommendations mention that this may not be necessary if typical findings are seen on imaging. Ultrasound, dual-energy computed tomographic (CT) scan, and conventional radiography are recommended in the assessment of gout, calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease, and basic calcium phosphate-related disease. Ultrasound can identify the tophus and its associated tissues that participate in the inflammatory response, and dual-energy CT can find tophaceous material in regions that are difficult to access by physical examination or ultrasound.

Address: Department of Medicine, Allergy/Immunology & Rheumatology Division, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 695, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2024.07.007

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MeSH Terms: Humans, Crystal Arthropathies, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Ultrasonography, Gout, Chondrocalcinosis