Affiliation:
1. Department of Radiology, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Training and
Research Hospital, Rize, Turkey
2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Recep Tayyip
Erdogan University Training and Research Hospital, Rize, Turkey
Abstract
Abstract
Background Sonoelastography (SE) is a new ultrasound (US)-based technique
able to assess tissue elasticity. Using conventional US, it is sometimes
difficult or even impossible to distinguish pathologic tissue because it often
presents with the same echogenicity as the surrounding healthy tissue. This
study aimed to evaluate SE findings in Achilles tendons of patients with axial
spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and to assess how these findings are associated with
disease-related parameters.
Material and Methods Sixty-four consecutive patients (37 men, 27 women;
mean age 39.7 years; range 20–65 years) with axSpA and 30 sex and
age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was
evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI),
whereas functional capacity was evaluated using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis
Functional Index (BASFI). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive
protein (CRP) and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC)
enthesitis index were recorded. All participants underwent an SE examination of
the Achilles tendon and measurement of the strain index (SI).
Results The mean right and left SI were significantly higher in axSpA
patients than in controls (2.96±0.94 vs. 1.90±0.45;
p<0.001; 2.95±0.95 vs. 1.92±0.48, p<0.001,
respectively). In axSpA patients, both right and left SI were significantly
correlated with the BASDAI, BASFI and SPARCC enthesitis indices, but not with
ESR or CRP.
Conclusion AxSpA patients had an increased SI compared with healthy
subjects and these values were associated with disease activity, functional
capacity and the enthesitis index. SE may be a useful tool for the evaluation of
Achilles tendons in patients with axSpA.