Images in Primary Care Medicine: Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Gout

Cureus. 2021 May 18;13(5):e15096. doi: 10.7759/cureus.15096.

Abstract

Gout is the most common crystal arthropathy and is frequently diagnosed and managed by primary care physicians. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a valuable tool to aid in the diagnosis of gout via the identification of the double contour sign, aggregates of crystals, tophi, and erosions. In addition, POCUS can aid in the management of gout by recognizing early signs of gout, monitoring the effectiveness of urate-lowering therapy, and guiding aspiration and corticosteroid injection.

Keywords: crystal arthropathy; gout crystals; point-of-care-ultrasound; primary care medicine; ultrasound-guided.

Publication types

  • Review