Imaging in Diagnosis and Management of Crystal-Induced Arthropathies in Clinical Practice

Publication Date: February 6, 2024
Last Updated: February 22, 2024

Overarching Statements

  • CiAs are typically characterised by intermittent, acute episodes of inflammation, but may also exhibit a persistent disease course with or without superimposed flares.
  • Imaging in CiAs provides useful information on crystal deposition, inflammation and structural damage.
  • The presence of imaging abnormalities, in particular, those related to crystal deposition, may not always be related to clinical manifestations.
  • Patient information (medical history, physical/laboratory examination, synovial fluid/tissue analysis, etc) should be taken into account when imaging is considered in CiAs.
  • Imaging in CiAs should be performed and interpreted by trained healthcare professionals.

Summary of Recommendations

When performing imaging in CiAs, both symptomatic areas and disease-specific target sites (ie, first metatarsophalangeal in gout, knee and wrist in CPPD, shoulder in BCPD) should be considered.
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Overview

Title

Imaging in Diagnosis and Management of Crystal-Induced Arthropathies in Clinical Practice

Authoring Organization

European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)