Abstract

NAREDO SANCHEZ, Esperanza. Before and after sonography is applied in rheumatology. Rev.Colomb.Reumatol. [online]. 2007, vol.14, n.2, pp.144-155. ISSN 0121-8123.

Within the last 20 years, the development of high frequency transducers, which have greatly improved musculoskeletal US imaging has led to a widespread use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic and therapeutic technique in rheumatology. Sonography has become a powerful diagnostic and research tool in clinical rheumatology that adds valuable information simultaneously to clinical evaluation. The incorporation of ultrasound to rheumatology has been a logical extension of its established practice in other specialities such as obstetrics, gynaecology and cardiology. High resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a valid and reliable method for assess-ing periarticular and intraarticular anatomic structures involved in rheumatic disease. Ultrasonography has considerable advantages over other imaging modalities including non invasiveness, speed of performance, relative low cost, ability to scan multiple joints, repeatability and high patient acceptability. Musculoskeletal dynamic examina-tion in real time can be performed routinely, which shows the movement of tendons and muscles and aids the detection of abnormalities. In addition, ultrasound can be used for guidance of musculoskeletal injections and biopsies. Last but not least, rheumatologists can undertake inoffice MSUS, avoiding referral to radiologists and saving time and money.

Keywords : ultrasonography; imaging; rheumatology.

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