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Dual‐energy computed tomography for monitoring the effect of urate‐lowering therapy in gouty arthritis
Author(s) -
Sun Ying,
Chen Huiyong,
Zhang Zhuojun,
Ma Lili,
Zhou Jianjun,
Zhou Yi,
Ding Yuqin,
Jin Xuejuan,
Jiang Lindi
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international journal of rheumatic diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1756-185X
pISSN - 1756-1841
DOI - 10.1111/1756-185x.12634
Subject(s) - medicine , gout , uric acid , computed tomography , urology , dual energy , endocrinology , nuclear medicine , gastroenterology , surgery , bone mineral , osteoporosis
Abstract Objective To investigate the relationships between changes in serum urate levels and dual‐energy computed tomography ( DE ‐ CT ) results during urate‐lowering therapy ( ULT ) and to investigate the effects of treatment duration and drugs on changes in DE ‐ CT results. Methods Forty‐four patients diagnosed with gout were enrolled in this investigation. DE ‐ CT was conducted on the foot at baseline and the end of follow‐up (6–24 months). Crystals were classified as: (i) L , number of large crystals with diameter ≥ 3 mm; (ii) S , number of small crystals with diameter < 3 mm; (iii) T , total number of crystals; and (iv) Vmax, volume of the maximal crystal. Results Number of urate crystals ( L , S as well as T ) and Vmax decreased significantly through ULT . Significant decrease of urate crystal numbers and/or Vmax was observed in different follow‐up groups, and the decrease in serum urate levels was positively related to the decrease of T ( r = 0.43, P = 0.04) and Vmax ( r = 0.63, P = 0.04). Moreover, analysis of covariance results demonstrated significant effects of treatment duration and serum urate levels on results of DE ‐ CT . Conclusion Both urate crystal numbers and Vmax decreased significantly during ULT . Additionally, ULT duration and serum urate levels had significant effects on the decrease of Vmax and number of large crystals measured by DE ‐ CT .