Tophus measurement as an outcome measure in gout: an updated systematic literature review
Authors' conclusion
There is evidence to support the feasibility, truth and discrimination of Vernier callipers. US, DECT and the TIQ-20 fulfil many aspects of the Filter but have not yet demonstrated a difference between arms of a RCT.
Study context
- Population
- Publications on methods of tophus measurement in gout (2010 to 2024, plus pre-2010 publications from a 2011 review)10 methods identified
- Comparison
- Vernier callipers vs ultrasound (US) vs dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) vs Tophus Impact Questionnaire (TIQ-20)
- Outcome
- Feasibility, truth and discrimination of tophus measurement methods (OMERACT Filter 2.2)
Methodological detailsupdated review, evaluation against OMERACT Filter 2.2
- Updated review
- Evaluation against OMERACT Filter 2.2
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Performance of tophus measurement methods against OMERACT Filter 2.2
- Ten methods identified: tophus count, tape measurement, Vernier callipers, digital photography, US, computed tomography (CT), DECT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plain radiography and TIQ-20
- Vernier callipers correlated well with other physical measurement techniques, had good to excellent reliability, and showed responsiveness to treatment and discrimination
- US and DECT had excellent reliability and responsiveness to treatment, but no difference in tophus size yet shown in an randomized controlled trial (RCT); higher cost and training requirements
- TIQ-20 had high feasibility and responsiveness; its discrimination needs further research
Original publication
Tophus measurement as an outcome measure in gout: an updated systematic literature review. Semin Arthritis Rheum. Published 15 May 2026. doi:10.
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