Reumatizam, Vol. 62 No. suppl. 1, 2015.
Review article
DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND OF THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM - THE IMPORTANCE OF STANDARDIZATION OF ULTRASOUND FINDINGS
Porin Perić
Marijana Pervan
Doroteja Perić
Abstract
Advances in technology and the wide availability of ultrasound
(US) machines are the main indicators of an increasing
trend among physicians in various specialties to
integrate US into their routine clinical practice. Recently,
rheumatologists have started using US for quantitative and
qualitative real-time assessment of musculoskeletal pathology.
US is increasingly used as an extension of the physical
examination and it is considered as the rheumatologist’s
“extended touch”. Its application in rheumatology goes
beyond the detection of inflammation in the joints.
Ultrasound skills combined with proper anatomical
knowledge make the clinical diagnosis more precise and
reduce uncertainty in the choice of therapy. Therefore, it
is essential for rheumatologists to acquire ultrasonography skills in order to improve their patient care. Apart from diagnostic
purposes, US plays a major role in disease monitoring,
assessment of structural damage, and making therapeutic
decisions. Since 2004, an international consensus
group of ultrasound experts, the OMERACT Ultrasound
Task Force, has worked to address a variety of metric qualities
of ultrasound in RA and other arthritides, according
to criteria specified by the OMERACT filter. A part of this
group known as the Targeted Ultrasound Initiative (TUI)
is now continuously working on the standardization of ultrasound
in different rheumatic conditions.
Keywords
musculoskeletal ultrasound; rheumatoid arthritis; TUI initiative; OMERACT group
Hrčak ID:
182794
URI
Publication date:
10.10.2015.
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