Synovitis of small joints: sonographic guided diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this pictorial essay is to describe the sonographic guided approach to investigation and local injection therapy of a small joint in a patient with psoriatic arthritis (PA).


METHODS
Sonographic pictures are obtained using a high frequency ultrasonography apparatus equipped with a 13-MHz transducer.


RESULTS
Ultrasonography allows a careful morphostructural assessment of soft tissue involvement in PA patients. Sonographic findings include joint cavity widening, capsular thickening, synovial proliferation, synovial fluid changes, tendon sheath widening. Ultrasound guided placement of the needle within the joint and injection of corticosteroid under sonographic control can be easily performed.


CONCLUSIONS
High frequency ultrasonography is a quick and safe procedure that allows a useful diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients with arthritis of small joints.
Grassi
W
W
Department of Rheumatology, University of Ancona, Italy.
Lamanna
G
G
Farina
A
A
Cervini
C
C
D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013585:Synovitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
D005938:Glucocorticoids