Systematic literature review to inform the EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in crystal-induced arthropathies in clinical practice
Authors' conclusion
This SLR confirmed a relevant and increasing role of imaging in the field of CiAs.
Study context
- Population
- Studies on imaging (diagnosis, monitoring, prediction, guiding procedures, patient education) in gout, CPPD and basic calcium phosphate deposition (BCPD)
- Outcome
- Role of imaging (diagnosis, monitoring, prediction, patient education) in crystal-induced arthropathies
Methodological detailsfour systematic searches (Embase, Medline, Central), risk of bias assessed by validated instruments
- Four systematic searches (Embase, Medline, Central)
- Risk of bias assessed by validated instruments
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Gout: 88 studies included; Dual-energy CT (DECT) and ultrasound (US) good to excellent sensitivity and specificity; Conventional radiographs (CR) and CT high specificity, lower sensitivity
- Gout: sensitivity to change for crystal deposition (US, DECT), inflammation (US) and structural progression (CR, CT)
- CPPD: 50 studies included; CR and US high specificity, variable sensitivity; nine studies on prediction
- CPPD: a single study on monitoring
- BCPD: 56 studies included; two diagnostic studies; monitoring by CR and US in 43 studies, showing reduction in crystal deposition
- BCPD: 12 studies on prediction of treatment response, with inconsistent results
- Patient education: two studies, suggesting a potential role of DECT
Original publication
Systematic literature review to inform the EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in crystal-induced arthropathies in clinical practice. Ann Rheum Dis. Published 27 August 2024. doi:10.
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