Objectives To compare the prevalence of ultrasonographic gout specific signs at the dorsal and plantar surfaces of the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP).

Methods This is a cross-sectional study which includes 15 patients with chronic gout, defined according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR 1977). Ultrasound (US) examination was performed using a high-frequency linear probe (Toshiba Xario®, frequency (8–14 MHz)) in B mode. 150 articular sites were studied at their dorsal and plantar surfaces. The ultrasound has objectified the presence of two signs: hyperechoic band over the superficial margin of the articular cartilage described as a double contour (DC) and the tophaceous deposits at the joint cavity. We compared the prevalence of the two signs between the dorsal and palmar surfaces at each site studied.

Results The mean age at onset was 54.7±12,6 years, and the median diagnosis duration was 0 (0.3) years).

The results of the US examination are summarized in Table 1.

Conclusions Our study suggests that globally, DC predilect significatily in dorsal than in plantar surfaces of MTP joints. These results should be verified on a larger population.

Disclosure of Interest None declared