Accuracy of dual-energy computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, cone-beam CT, and spectral photon-counting CT for detecting calcium crystal deposition in the osteoarthritic hand: a cross-sectional diagnostic test study
Authors' conclusion
SPCCT and US had high sensitivity for calcium crystal detection, although no test achieved the strict definition of a very good test.
Study context
- Population
- Patients scheduled for finger-joint surgery due to OA9 with ≥1 positive reference test
- Participants
- 12 patients
- Comparison
- Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), ultrasound (US) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT) vs reference tests
- Outcome
- Diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios (LRs)) for detecting CPP and hydroxyapatite crystal deposition; very good test: positive LR > 10 or negative LR < 0.1
Methodological detailscross-sectional, prospective
- Cross-sectional
- Prospective
Performance
As reported in the abstract
Best sensitivity and specificity for calcium crystal detection
| Test or model | Sensitivity | Specificity |
|---|---|---|
| DECT | 0.29 (95% CI 0.04-0.71) | 0.67 (0.09-0.99) |
| US | 0.89 (0.52-1.00) | 1.00 (0.16-1.00) |
| CBCT | 0.33 (0.07-0.70) | 0.67 (0.09-0.99) |
| SPCCT | 1.00 (0.66-1.00) | 0.00 (0.00-0.98) |
Sensitivity
DECT0.29 (95% CI 0.04-0.71)
US0.89 (0.52-1.00)
CBCT0.33 (0.07-0.70)
SPCCT1.00 (0.66-1.00)
Specificity
DECT0.67 (0.09-0.99)
US1.00 (0.16-1.00)
CBCT0.67 (0.09-0.99)
SPCCT0.00 (0.00-0.98)
Further findings
Pain (VAS) by CPP in synovial fluid
- Participants with CPP in the synovial fluid had more pain than those without
Original publication
Accuracy of dual-energy computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, cone-beam CT, and spectral photon-counting CT for detecting calcium crystal deposition in the osteoarthritic hand: a cross-sectional diagnostic test study. Scand J Rheumatol. Published 13 March 2026. doi:10.
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