Temporal evolution of urate crystal deposition over articular cartilage after successful urate-lowering therapy in patients with gout: An ultrasonographic perspective |
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Authors: | Shyamashis Das Rudra Prosad Goswami Alakendu Ghosh Parasar Ghosh Debasish Lahiri Kaushik Basu |
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Institution: | Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
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Abstract: | Objective: To detect evolution of ultrasonographic signs of deposition of monosodium urate crystals (MSUC) in gouty joints by serial ultrasonography after initiation of urate-lowering therapy (ULT).Methods: Adult gout patients were examined by serial ultrasonography after initiation of ULT with target serum uric acid (SUA) 6?mg/dL.Results: Thirty-eight male patients with gout with mean age of 50?±?11?years, median disease duration of 48 months and baseline mean SUA level of 8.8?±?1.5?mg/dL were recruited. Ultrasonographic evidence of MSUC deposition was detected in 89.74% of first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and 27.63% of knee joints. Double contour sign (DCS), tophi, and hyperechoic spots (HES) were detected in 77.63%, 43.42%, and 19.74% of first MTPs, respectively. SUA level normalizes and plateaus after fourth month of follow-up. DCS thickness reduced significantly throughout the follow-up period. Overall, 86.25% DCS and 100% HES disappeared with median time of 6 months and 5.7 months, respectively. SUA normalization was the only significant predictor of DCS disappearance.Conclusions: Serial ultrasonographic determination of DCS, tophi, or HES during hypouricemic therapy is a noninvasive, effective method to detect the lowering of burden of urate load in gouty joints. |
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Keywords: | Double contour sign Gout Serial ultrasonography Ultrasonography Urate crystal |
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