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Utility of Ultrasound and Dual Energy CT in Crystal Disease Diagnosis and Management

  • Imaging (D Mintz, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The objective of this review is to critically discuss the latest evidence on the use of ultrasound and dual energy computed tomography (DECT) for the assessment of microcrystalline arthritis.

Recent Findings

Both techniques have been included in the classification and diagnostic criteria for gout, while only ultrasound appears in the diagnostic recommendations for CPPD. Regarding the management of the diseases, there is encouraging evidence for the use of both techniques for the follow-up of gout patients, while very few or null data are available for CPPD.

Summary

Ultrasound has been adequately validated for the diagnosis of CPPD, while some issues have still to be clarified regarding gout. DECT has also demonstrated to be accurate for gout diagnosis, but very few data are available regarding CPPD. Future research should aim to improve the reliability of both techniques and to create scoring systems for a more accurate follow-up of patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Sciences, Section of rheumatology, Azienda ospedaliero-Universitaria Sant’Anna di Cona, University of Ferrara, via Aldo Moro, Ferrara, Italy

    Georgios Filippou

  2. Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Saint-Philibert, Université Catholique de Lille, Lille, France

    Tristan Pascart

  3. Dipartimento Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Academic Rheumatology Centre, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy

    Annamaria Iagnocco

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  1. Georgios Filippou
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  2. Tristan Pascart
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  3. Annamaria Iagnocco
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Correspondence to Annamaria Iagnocco.

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Filippou, G., Pascart, T. & Iagnocco, A. Utility of Ultrasound and Dual Energy CT in Crystal Disease Diagnosis and Management. Curr Rheumatol Rep 22, 15 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-020-0890-1

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