RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Synovitis of small joints: sonographic guided diagnostic and therapeutic approach
JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
JO Ann Rheum Dis
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism
SP 595
OP 597
DO 10.1136/ard.58.10.595
VO 58
IS 10
A1 Walter Grassi
A1 Gianni Lamanna
A1 Antonella Farina
A1 Claudio Cervini
YR 1999
UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/58/10/595.abstract
AB OBJECTIVE The aim of this pictorial essay is to describe the sonographic guided approach to investigation and local injection therapy of a small joint in a patient with psoriatic arthritis (PA).METHODS Sonographic pictures are obtained using a high frequency ultrasonography apparatus equipped with a 13-MHz transducer.RESULTS Ultrasonography allows a careful morphostructural assessment of soft tissue involvement in PA patients. Sonographic findings include joint cavity widening, capsular thickening, synovial proliferation, synovial fluid changes, tendon sheath widening. Ultrasound guided placement of the needle within the joint and injection of corticosteroid under sonographic control can be easily performed.CONCLUSIONS High frequency ultrasonography is a quick and safe procedure that allows a useful diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients with arthritis of small joints.