Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Urate Crystal Deposition in Tendons With Gout Patients

Objective

To use ultrasound technology to assess the deposition of urate crystals in the common lower limb tendons of patients with gout, providing additional imaging information for the management of these patients.

Methods

High-frequency ultrasound was retrospectively used to evaluate urate crystal deposition in common lower limb tendons—quadriceps, patellar, and Achilles—in patients with gouty arthritis. Comparative statistical analysis was conducted among asymptomatic hyperuricemia patients and healthy individuals during the same period.

Results

Aggregates were detected in the tendons of all three groups, whereas tophi were found exclusively in tendons of asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout groups. The prevalence of intratendinous aggregates and tophi in gout was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). The Achilles tendon showed the highest involvement, followed by the quadriceps and patellar tendons.

Conclusion

Tendons are common sites of urate deposition in patients with gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Aggregates and tophi are frequently observed in and around large tendons such as the quadriceps, patellar, and Achilles tendons in gout patients. Ultrasonography proves useful in highly sensitive and specific evaluation of urate deposition within and around tendons.