Imaging Of Gout Research Articles

ROLE OF DUAL ENERGY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING IN GOUT

Context: Gout is a crystal induced inammatory arthritis triggered by crystallization of uric acid in joints. The detection of urate crystals is done using polarization light microscopy after synovial uid aspiration which is approach is invasive. Dual energy CT (DECT) is a new imaging modality that is able to identify tophi based on their chemical composition. To evaluate the rol Aims: e of Dual Energy Computed Tomography imaging in gout. A cross sectional observational study, comprising of 30 clinically suspected pati Settings And Design: ents of gout underwent DECT of all peripheral joints (including hand, wrist, elbow, ankle, foot and knee). This Methods And Material: study was conducted on 128 slice SIEMENS Somatom Denition Flash CT scan. A dual energy gout colour coded protocol assessed the chemical composition of the material and an automated volume assessment software, measured the monosodium urate crystal deposition volume. Analysis was Statistical Analysis Used: done using SPSS version 21.0. In lower limb the MTP joint (73.33%) was commonest foll Results: owed by ankle (33%) and knee (26%) with mean crystal volume of 3.51 cm3. In upper limb, MCP and PIP joints (20%) of hand are most commonly affected with mean volume of 0.24cm3. High serum uric acid (>6.4mg/dl) levels showed a positive correlation with MSU crystal deposition in all peripheral joints on DECT. Conclusions: DECT is useful for the diagnosis of gout in symptomatic patients. It can detect MSU crystals volume and urate burden non-invasively.

Clinical utility of Dual Energy Computed Tomography in gout: current concepts and applications.

Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis and is increasing in prevalence and incidence in many countries worldwide. Dual Energy Computed Tomography (DECT) has a high diagnostic accuracy in established gout, but its diagnostic sensitivity is low in subjects with recent-onset gout. A meta-analysis of 17 studies showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. DECT is a useful diagnostic tool for patients with contraindications for joint aspiration or for those who refuse joint aspiration. This article aims to give an up to date review and summary of existing literature on the role and accuracy of DECT in the imaging of gout. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Recent developments in advanced imaging in gout.

The plain radiographic features of gout are well known; however, the sensitivity of plain radiographs alone for the detection of signs of gout is poor in acute disease. Radiographic abnormalities do not manifest until late in the disease process, after significant joint and soft tissue damage has already occurred. The advent of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has enabled the non-invasive diagnosis and quantification of gout by accurately confirming the presence and extent of urate crystals in joints and soft tissues, without the need for painful and often unreliable soft tissue biopsy or joint aspiration. Specific ultrasound findings have been identified and may also be used to aid diagnosis. Both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used for the measurement of disease extent, monitoring of disease activity or treatment response, although MRI findings are nonspecific. In this article we summarize the imaging findings and diagnostic utility of plain radiographs, ultrasound, DECT, MRI and nuclear medicine studies in the assessment as well as the implications and utility these tools have for measuring disease burden and therapeutic response.

Dual-energy CT in gout - A review of current concepts and applications.

Dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) is a relatively recent development in the imaging of gouty arthritis. Its availability and usage have become increasingly widespread in recent years. DECT is a non‐invasive method for the visualisation, characterisation and quantification of monosodium urate crystal deposits which aids the clinician in the early diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up of this condition. This article aims to give an up to date review and summary of existing literature on the role and accuracy of DECT in the imaging of gout. Techniques in image acquisition, processing and interpretation will be discussed along with pitfalls, artefacts and clinical applications.

Imaging in Gout and Other Crystal-Related Arthropathies.

In this article, the authors consider the manifestations of intraarticular and periarticular crystal deposits. Most cases of crystal deposits are asymptomatic and represent incidental findings at imaging. In symptomatic arthropathies, imaging can play an important role in the diagnosis and assessment of disease progression and the extent of crystal deposits. Conventional radiography is the most common imaging modality. But ultrasound, conventional computerized tomography (CT), dual-energy CT, and MRI play an increasing role. The authors review typical radiographic features of crystal-induced arthropathies and findings that help to differentiate them. The authors also emphasize the increasing role of complementary imaging techniques.

Imaging of gout: New tools and biomarkers?

While joint aspiration and crystal identification by polarizing microscopy remain the gold standard for diagnosing tophaceous gout, agreement among medical and ancillary health personnel examining synovial fluid using polarizing microscopy for the detection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals appears to be poor. Imaging modalities, including conventional radiography (CR), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), have been found to provide information on the deposition of MSU crystals in tissues, and the consequences of such deposition. CR can demonstrate typical "punched out lesions" with marginal overhangs, but the sensitivity for erosion detection is better for DECT and US. US is inexpensive and can identify tophus deposition in and around joints, erosions, and tissue inflammation if power Doppler US is used. MRI can show tophi, bone marrow edema, and inflammation, but MRI findings of tophi may be nonspecific. DECT can identify and color-code tophaceous material, and provide an overview of the tophus burden of a joint area. Because of the lower number of available studies, the strength of evidence for the newer imaging can be improved through further research.

Imaging as a potential outcome measure in gout studies: A systematic literature review.

Despite major progress in the imaging of gout, it is unclear which domains these techniques can evaluate and whether imaging modalities have the potential to provide valid outcome measures. The aim of this study was to assess the use of imaging instruments in gout according to the Outcomes in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) filter to inform the development of imaging as an outcome measure. A systematic literature search of imaging modalities for gout was undertaken. Articles were assessed by two reviewers to identify imaging domains and summarize information according to the OMERACT filter. The search identified 78 articles (one abstract). Modalities included were conventional radiography (CR) (16 articles), ultrasound (US) (29), conventional computed tomography (CT) (11), dual energy computed tomography (DECT) (20), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (16). Three domains were identified as follows: urate deposition, joint damage, and inflammation. Although sufficient data were available to assess feasibility, validity, and reliability, comprehensive assessment of discrimination was not possible due to the paucity of prospective imaging studies. CR is widely accessible, inexpensive with a validated damage scoring system. US and MRI offer radiation-free methods of evaluating urate deposition, damage and inflammation, but may be limited by accessibility. DECT provides excellent definition of urate deposition and bone damage, but has restricted availability and requires radiation. Imaging methods can detect urate deposition, damage, and inflammation in gout. More than one modality may be required depending on the domains and therapeutic agent of interest. No single imaging method currently fulfils all aspects of the OMERACT filter for any domain.

Imaging in gout: A review of the recent developments.

Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis and is caused by accumulation of monosodium urate crystals in joints and soft tissues. Apart from joint damage, untreated gout is associated with cardiovascular and renal morbidity. Gout, whilst in principle considered to be well understood and simple to treat, often presents diagnostic and management challenges, with evidence to suggest that it is often inadequately treated and poor compliance is a major issue. Imaging tools can aid clinicians in establishing the correct diagnosis, when histological crystal diagnosis is unable to be established, and also assess the burden of inflammatory and structural disease. Imaging can also be used to monitor treatment response. The imaging techniques that currently have a role in the imaging of gout include conventional radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, dual energy computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine. Despite the lack of major technological advances in imaging of gout in recent years, scientific studies of existing imaging modalities have improved our understanding of the disease, and how to best utilize imaging techniques in the clinical setting.

Advanced Imaging in Gout

The purpose of this article is to describe the role of advanced imaging using ultrasound, CT, and MRI in the assessment and diagnosis of gout. Dual-energy CT can quantitatively identify monosodium urate crystal deposits with high sensitivity and specificity within joints, tendons, and periarticular soft tissues. There are several characteristic ultrasound imaging findings, which include visualization of echogenic monosodium urate crystal deposition, tophus, and adjacent erosions. MRI is sensitive in showing soft-tissue and osseous abnormalities of gout, although the imaging findings are not specific. Gout commonly involves specific joints and anatomic structures, and knowledge of these sites and imaging appearances are clues to the correct diagnosis.

FRI0391 Musculoskeletal high resolution ultrasonography assessment in real life outpatients with GOUT

BackgroundThe musculoskeletal high resolution ultrasonography (HRU) is useful in the gout diagnosis, the assessment of UMS deposits extension and following up the response to urate lowering therapy.Therefore we consider that...

Imaging of gout – An overview

The diverse clinical states and sites of pathology in gout provide challenges when considering the features apparent on imaging. Ideally, an imaging modality should capture all aspects of disease including monosodium urate crystal deposition, acute inflammation, tophus, tissue remodelling and complications of disease. The modalities used in gout include conventional radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and dual-energy computed tomography. This review discusses the role of each of these imaging modalities in gout, focussing on the imaging characteristics, role in gout diagnosis and role for disease monitoring. Ultrasonography and dual-energy computed tomography are particularly promising methods for both non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of disease. The observation that ultrasonographic appearances of monosodium urate crystal deposition can be observed in patients with hyperuricaemia but no other clinical features of gout raises important questions about disease definitions.

MRI of gout: a pictorial review

There has been renewed clinical interest in gout secondary to the recent advances in the understanding of its cellular inflammatory mediators, which have led to new and emerging therapies for treatment. The role of advanced imaging in gout is currently evolving to compliment modern clinical challenges in the treatment of gout. Furthermore, the clinical diagnosis of gout remains potentially challenging, especially in the setting of an atypical presentation and advanced imaging is often utilized in these circumstances. This article seeks to provide a timely review of the magnetic resonance features of chronic tophaceous gout in a pictorial exhibition, as well as provide a future perspective of the utilization of advanced imaging: computed tomography, MRI and ultrasound in the clinical management of gout.

Imaging in gout

Imaging has the potential to assess various pathological manifestations of gout, including monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition, tophus formation and cartilage, soft tissue, and bone pathology. This review discusses recent research examining the role of imaging to assess the manifestations of disease. Various imaging techniques are used in the assessment of gout, including plain radiography, ultrasonography, conventional computed tomography (CT), dual energy computed tomography (DECT), and MRI. Potential roles for ultrasonography are MSU crystal detection, measurement of tophi, and assessment of disease complications. Ultrasonography may allow detection of MSU crystals in patients with hyperuricaemia, prior to development of clinically apparent gout. Conventional CT allows excellent visualization of tophi and bone erosion. DECT is a promising method of noninvasive MSU crystal detection. MRI allows assessment of tophi, synovial and soft tissue disease, and bone pathology. The relative absence of MRI bone marrow oedema in gout suggests that the mechanisms of bone erosion in gout are quite different from those in other erosive arthropathies. Imaging modalities have provided important insights into the pathology of gout. The role of various imaging techniques in gout diagnosis, monitoring, and prediction of outcome is rapidly developing.

Role of Ultrasound and Other Advanced Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management of Gout

Imaging of gout with conventional radiography has been described since shortly after roentgenography was invented. Ultrasound (US) detects more erosions than conventional radiography in rheumatoid arthritis, and the same seems to be true for gout. MRI is being used to assess articular and periarticular masses, including gouty tophi. However, MRI findings in gout can lack specificity. Monosodium urate (MSU) tophi are very echogenic when US is used. Typical US features of gout include a double-contour sign or "urate icing." The double-contour consists of the hyperechoic bony contour and a parallel hyperechoic line of MSU crystals that deposit on the hypoechoic or anechoic hyaline cartilage. Tophi can have a "wet clumps of sugar" appearance, often surrounded by an anechoic halo. Tophi are closely related to the formation of erosions. If serum urate levels are lowered consistently below 6.0 mg/dL, the disappearance of MSU crystals can be observed sonographically.

Imaging in gout - What can we learn from MRI, CT, DECT and US?

There are many exciting new applications for advanced imaging in gout. These modalities employ multiplanar imaging and allow computerized three-dimensional rendering of bone and joints (including tophi) and have the advantage of electronic data storage for later retrieval. High-resolution computed tomography has been particularly helpful in exploring the pathology of gout by investigating the relationship between bone erosions and tophi. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography can image the inflammatory nature of gouty arthropathy, revealing synovial and soft tissue inflammation, and can provide information about the composition and vascularity of tophi. Dual-energy computerized tomography is a new modality that is able to identify tophi by their chemical composition and reveal even small occult tophaceous deposits. All modalities are being investigated for their potential roles in diagnosis and could have important clinical applications in the patient for whom aspiration of monosodium urate crystals from the joint is not possible. Imaging can also provide outcome measures, such as change in tophus volume, for monitoring the response to urate-lowering therapy and this is an important application in the clinical trial setting.

Gout. Imaging of gout: findings and utility

Imaging is a helpful tool for clinicians to evaluate diseases that induce chronic joint inflammation. Chronic gout is associated with changes in joint structures that may be evaluated with diverse imaging techniques. Plain radiographs show typical changes only in advanced chronic gout. Computed tomography may best evaluate bone changes, whereas magnetic resonance imaging is suitable to evaluate soft tissues, synovial membrane thickness, and inflammatory changes. Ultrasonography is a tool that may be used in the clinical setting, allowing evaluation of cartilage, soft tissues, urate crystal deposition, and synovial membrane inflammation. Also ultrasound-guided puncture may be useful for obtaining samples for crystal observation. Any of these techniques deserve some consideration for feasibility and implementation both in clinical practice and as outcome measures for clinical trials. In clinical practice they may be considered mainly for evaluating the presence and extent of crystal deposition, and structural changes that may impair function or functional outcomes, and also to monitor the response to urate-lowering therapy.