Ultrasonic diagnostic in rheumatology: capabilities and prospects

K.Yu. Volkov, I.S. Svinitskaya, V.V. Tyrenko, A.V. Platonova, V.R. Khairutdinov, N.Yu. Demyanenko, S.G. Bologov

S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy, Saint Petersburg

Nowadays, ultrasound is one of the most informative methods of imaging examination. Given its portability, accessibility, speed of execution, relatively low cost and almost complete absence of contraindications, ultrasound is an effective method not only for diagnosis but also for evaluating the quality of treatment. This method is highly informative in visualizing tendons and ligamentous apparatus, hyaline cartilage, cortical bone and para-articular soft tissues, which greatly expands the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of a rheumatologist and allows to monitor the treatment efficacy. This article discusses the possibility of using ultrasound in the diagnosis of a number of rheumatological diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondyloarthritis, gout and tendon lesions in hypercholesterolaemia. The possibilities of using sonoelastography (a method that allows determining the elasticity o f soft tissue structures) in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases are also considered. According to the authors, sonoelastography may soon become substantially established in clinical practice as a first-line diagnostic method for detecting biomechanical changes in tendons, muscles, ligamentous apparatus, as well as evaluating the treatment efficacy. Ultrasound of the musculoskeletal system significantly increases the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of the clinician.

Keywords: rheumatological diseases, ultrasound of the musculoskeletal system, osteoarthritis, spondylarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, sonoelastography.

For citation: Volkov K.Yu., Svinitskaya I.S., Tyrenko V.V. et al. Ultrasonic diagnostic in rheumatology: capabilities and prospects. RMJ. 2020;7:9–13.