Musculoskeletal ultrasound findings in people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia: baseline analysis from the Transitions in Gout Research (TIGER) study using the OMERACT gout ultrasound semiquantitative scoring system
Authors' conclusion
Definite ultrasound features of gout can be identified in more than one-third of people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. However, the amount of monosodium urate crystal deposition on ultrasound, assessed using the OMERACT gout ultrasound scoring system, is low. In asymptomatic hyperuricemia without clinical evidence of gout, ultrasound features of gout are associated with subclinical joint damage and inflammation.
Study context
- Population
- Participants with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia: serum urate ≥0.48 mmol/L, no previous gout flares, no subcutaneous tophi
- Participants
- 269 participants
- Outcome
- Musculoskeletal US features (double contour, tophus, aggregates; erosion, synovial hypertrophy, power Doppler) of bilateral patellar tendons, knee, first and second MTPs and Achilles tendon, OMERACT semiquantitative scoring
Methodological detailsbaseline analysis of the TIGER study, OMERACT gout ultrasound semiquantitative scoring system
- Baseline analysis of the TIGER study
- OMERACT gout ultrasound semiquantitative scoring system
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Participants with at least 1 definite double contour and/or tophus on US
38.7%
SQDT sum score (maximum 60), median (IQR)
2
0–4
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
Musculoskeletal ultrasound findings in people with asymptomatic hyperuricemia: baseline analysis from the Transitions in Gout Research (TIGER) study using the OMERACT gout ultrasound semiquantitative scoring system. Ann Rheum Dis. Published 18 April 2026. doi:10.
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