New applications of sonoelastography in rheumatology: where are we now?

Abstract

Ultrasound elastography (UE) is a non-invasive imaging method that allows the assessment of tissue elastic property. Different UE techniques are currently available (i.e. strain UE and acoustic radiation force impulse UE), with several potential clinical applications. Recent studies investigated the role of UE in two systemic rheumatic diseases and psoriasis. This research added interesting information to the already known applications of UE in the assessment of tendinopathies. In SS, acoustic radiation force impulse UE has shown a potential role in the diagnosis of the disease, with lower sensitivity than and similar specificity to salivary gland histology. In SSc, a potential use of UE in screening pre-clinical disease has been reported. In psoriasis, the use of strain UE in evaluating treatment response has been highlighted. UE is a promising tool in rheumatology, with a potential role in the evaluation of various tissues and pathologies.

Keywords: Sjögren’s syndrome; psoriasis; systemic sclerosis; ultrasound elastography.