Renewed Approaches to Early Diagnosis of Gout

Abstract

Gout is a common inflammatory joint disease associated with the accumulation of monosodium urate crystals. Early diagnosis plays a key role in preventing complications, but traditional methods may not be accurate enough. The article assessed modern methods of gout diagnostics, including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and polarization microscopy, in terms of their sensitivity and specificity. Data of patients with suspected gout were analyzed. Various diagnostic methods were used, including clinical examination, laboratory tests and imaging technologies (X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI). Ultrasound revealed urate deposits in most patients with gout, confirming its value for early diagnosis. Polarization microscopy showed the presence of sodium urate crystals in the synovial fluid of patients with gout. CT and MRI demonstrated high accuracy in detecting tophi and bone erosions. An integrated approach to gout diagnostics, including ultrasound, microscopy and other modern methods, increases the accuracy of disease detection and facilitates timely initiation of therapy.