title: [New developments in joint ultrasonography].
abstract: Musculoskeletal ultrasonography has become an established imaging technique in rheumatology. The ability of ultrasonography to visualize soft tissue changes provides a possibility for differentiating between exudative and proliferative synovial tissue changes. Superficial cartilage and bone lesions can be detected earlier by ultrasonography than by conventional radiography. The application of Doppler and power Doppler ultrasonography is helpful for the detection of early inflammation. Current studies with ultrasound contrast media demonstrate its benefit in the differentiation of inflammatory processes. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is helpful in the diagnosis of early arthritis, especially in patients with inconspicuous conventional radiography or suspicious clinical findings. It is a convenient method for follow-up analysis, and therefore has an impact on the monitoring of therapy. It is patient-friendly and is an important tool for the diagnostic work-up of arthritis.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik mit SP Rheumatologie und Klinische Immunologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte, Schumannstrasse 20/21, 10098, Berlin. marina.backhaus@charite.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Backhaus
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Scheel
authors.forename: G-R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Burmester
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D050278:Finger Phalanges / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007596:Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013585:Synovitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013717:Tenosynovitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014159:Transducers; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods; D018617:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media