Abstract Background The distinction between sensory neuronopathies (SN), which is by definition purely sensory, and sensory polyneuropathies (SP) and sensory multineuropathies (SM) is important for etiologic investigation and prognosis estimation. However, this task is often challenging in clinical practice. We hypothesize that F-wave assessment might be helpful, since it is able to detect subtle signs of motor involvement, which are found in SP and SM, but not in SN. Objective The aim of the present study was to determine whether F-waves are useful to distinguish SN from SP and SM. Methods We selected 21 patients with SP (12 diabetes mellitus, 4 transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy, 4 others), 22 with SM (22 leprosy), and 26 with SN (13 immune-mediated, 10 idiopathic, 3 others) according to clinical-electrophysiological-etiological criteria. For every subject, we collected data on height and performed 20 supramaximal distal stimuli in median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves, bilaterally, to record F-waves. Latencies (minimum and mean) and persistences were compared across groups using the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results All groups were age, gender, and height-matched. Overall, there were no significant between-group differences regarding F-wave latencies. In contrast, F-wave persistence was able to stratify the groups. Peroneal F-wave persistence was higher, bilaterally, in the SN group compared to SM and SP (p < 0.05). In addition, F-waves persistence of the ulnar and tibial nerves was also helpful to separate SN from SP (p < 0.05). Conclusion F-wave persistence of the peroneal nerves might be an additional and useful diagnostic tool to differentiate peripheral sensory syndromes.

Resumo Antecedentes A distinção entre neuronopatias sensitivas (SN) e polineuropatias sensitivas (SP) e multineuropatias sensitivas (SM) é importante para a investigação etiológica e para o prognóstico. Contudo, esta tarefa é desafiadora na prática clínica. Hipotetizou-se que a avaliação das ondas-F pode ser útil, por ser capaz de detectar envolvimento motor nas SP e SM, mas não nas SN. Objetivo Determinar se as ondas-F podem ajudar a distinguir entre SN, SP e SM. Métodos Selecionou-se 21 pacientes com SP (12 diabetes mellitus, 4 ATTR-FAP e 4 com outras neuropatias), 22 com SM (22 hanseníases) e 26 com SN (13 imunomediadas, 10 idiopáticas e 3 com outras neuronopatias), de acordo com critérios clínicos, etiológicos e eletrofisiológicos. Para cada indivíduo, foi aferida a altura e foram aplicados 20 estímulos distais supramáximos nos nervos mediano, ulnar, fibular e tibial, bilateralmente, para registrar as ondas-F. Uma comparação foi feita, por grupo, das latências (mínimas e médias) e persistências pelos testes Kruskal-Wallis e Bonferroni. Valores de p < 0.05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Todos os grupos foram pareados por idade, sexo e altura. Não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos quanto às latências das ondas-F. A persistência da onda-F foi capaz de estratificar os grupos, sendo as dos nervos fibulares bilateralmente maiores no grupo SN que nos grupos SM e SP (p < 0.05). Adicionalmente, a persistência das ondas-F dos nervos ulnares e tibiais também foi útil para distinguir SN de SP (p < 0.05). Conclusão A persistência das ondas-F dos nervos fibulares pode ser uma ferramenta adicional e útil para diferenciar síndromes sensitivas periféricas.

Abstract Background: Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) manifests as ulcers and atrophic white scars on the lower extremities. The main known etiopathogenesis is hypercoagulability with thrombus formation, followed by inflammation. Thrombophilia, collagen and myeloproliferative diseases may induce LV, but the idiopathic (primary) form predominates. Bartonella spp. may cause intra-endothelial infection and skin manifestations caused by these bacteria may be diverse, including leukocytoclastic vasculitis and ulcers. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of bacteremia by Bartonella spp. in patients with difficult-to-control chronic ulcers diagnosed as primary LV. Methods: Questionnaires and molecular tests (conventional PCR, nested PCR and real-time PCR) were applied and liquid and solid cultures were performed in the blood samples and blood clot of 16 LV patients and 32 healthy volunteers. Results: Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in 25% of LV patients and in 12.5% of control subjects but failed to reach statistically significant differences (p = 0.413). Study limitations: Due to the rarity of primary LV, the number of patients studied was small and there was greater exposure of the control group to risk factors for Bartonella spp. infection. Conclusion: Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups, the DNA of B. henselae was detected in one of every four patients, which reinforces the need to investigate Bartonella spp. in patients with primary LV.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare ocular surface parameters in rosacea patients with those of controls. Methods: Ninety-three participants took part in this cross-sectional, observational, non-interventional study. These consisted of a rosacea group (n=40) and a control group (n=53). We compared objective parameters of the ocular surface, including conjunctival hyperemia, tear film stability and volume, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye disease, and ocular surface staining, between the two groups. Results: In the rosacea group, 69.23% were female. The mean age was 47.34 ± 12.62 years old. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in visual acuity (p=0.987), tear film parameters (tear meniscus height (p=0.338), noninvasive tear film rupture time (p=0.228), invasive rupture time (p=0.471), Schirmer’s test scores (p=0.244), conjunctival hyperemia (p=0.106), and fluorescein staining (p=0.489). Significant differences were found in meibography evaluations (p=0.026), mucous layer integrity (p=0.015), and ocular surface symptoms (p<0.0001). Rosacea patients also showed important eyelid differences in glandular expressibility (p<0.001), glandular secretion pattern (p<0.001), and telangiectasia (p<0.001) compared to controls. Conclusion: Meibomian gland dysfunction is frequently associated with dermatological conditions. It can be observed in morphological findings from meibography as well as lipid secretion impairment, leading to evaporative dry eye, ocular surface dysfunction, and inflammation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações da superfície ocular em pacientes com Rosácea, e comparar com grupo controle. Métodos: Noventa e três indivíduos foram selecionados para este estudo transversal, observacional e não intervencionista, dividido em dois grupos: rosácea (n=40) e controles (n=53). Foram avaliados parâmetros objetivos da superfície ocular (hiperemia conjuntival, estabilidade e volume do filme lacrimal, disfunção da glândula meibomiana, doença do olho seco, coloração da superfície ocular) e comparado indivíduos saudáveis com pacientes com rosácea. Resultados: 69,23% dos indivíduos com rosácea eram mulheres, com média de idade de 47,34 ± 12,62 anos. Em comparação com controles pareados, não foram evidenciadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em relação à acuidade visual (p=0,987) e parâmetros do filme lacrimal (altura do menisco lacrimal (p=0,338), tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal não invasivo (p=0,228), tempo invasivo de ruptura (p=0,471) e teste de Schirmer (p=0,244), bem como hiperemia conjuntival (p=0,106) e coloração com fluoresceína (p=0,489). Associação significativa foi encontrada na avaliação da meibografia (p=0,026), integridade da camada mucosa (p=0,015) e sintomas de superfície ocular (p<0,0001). Pacientes com rosácea também apresentaram alterações importantes na borda palpebral: expressibilidade glandular (p<0,001), padrão de secreção glandular (p<0,001) e telangiectasia (p<0,001). Conclusão: A disfunção da glândula de Meibômio está frequentemente associada a condições dermatológicas e é caracterizada por achados morfológicos na meibografia, bem como comprometimento da secreção lipídica que leva ao olho seco evaporativo e alterações da superfície ocular e inflamação.

Abstract Leprosy reactions are an acute inflammatory phenomenon that can arise before diagnosis, during treatment, or after cure of leprosy. These reactions are considered one of the main diseases that cause physical disabilities. Immunosuppressive treatment for these immune responses makes these patients susceptible to coinfections, which can trigger new leprosy reactions. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of infection by Bartonella sp. in blood samples from 47 patients who had untreatable episodes of type 2 leprosy reactions for more than six months, comparing them with a control group. Cultures and molecular methods (PCR) were used. Amplicons from species-specific reactions and sequencing showed a higher prevalence of Bartonella henselae infection in patients, 19/47 (40.4 %), compared to control, 9/50 (18.0 %), p= 0.0149. Five patients accepted treatment for coinfection, and all showed improvement in leprosy reactions with treatment for B. henselae infection. We conclude that these bacteria can trigger chronic reactions of type 2 leprosy and should be investigated in these patients. Summary line Patients who have chronic type 2 leprosy reactions are more susceptible to Bartonella henselae infection than controls: 19/47 (40.4 %) compared 9/50 (18.0 %), p= 0.0149.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as alterações da superfície ocular em pacientes com Rosácea, e comparar com grupo controle. Métodos: Noventa e três indivíduos foram selecionados para este estudo transversal, observacional e não intervencionista, dividido em dois grupos: rosácea (n=40) e controles (n=53). Foram avaliados parâmetros objetivos da superfície ocular (hiperemia conjuntival, estabilidade e volume do filme lacrimal, disfunção da glândula meibomiana, doença do olho seco, coloração da superfície ocular) e comparado indivíduos saudáveis com pacientes com rosácea. Resultados: 69,23% dos indivíduos com rosácea eram mulheres, com média de idade de 47,34 ± 12,62 anos. Em comparação com controles pareados, não foram evidenciadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas em relação à acuidade visual (p=0,987) e parâmetros do filme lacrimal (altura do menisco lacrimal (p=0,338), tempo de ruptura do filme lacrimal não invasivo (p=0,228), tempo invasivo de ruptura (p=0,471) e teste de Schirmer (p=0,244), bem como hiperemia conjuntival (p=0,106) e coloração com fluoresceína (p=0,489). Associação significativa foi encontrada na avaliação da meibografia (p=0,026), integridade da camada mucosa (p=0,015) e sintomas de superfície ocular (p<0,0001). Pacientes com rosácea também apresentaram alterações importantes na borda palpebral: expressibilidade glandular (p<0,001), padrão de secreção glandular (p<0,001) e telangiectasia (p<0,001). Conclusão: A disfunção da glândula de Meibômio está frequentemente associada a condições dermatológicas e é caracterizada por achados morfológicos na meibografia, bem como comprometimento da secreção lipídica que leva ao olho seco evaporativo e alterações da superfície ocular e inflamação.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare ocular surface parameters in rosacea patients with those of controls. Methods: Ninety-three participants took part in this cross-sectional, observational, non-interventional study. These consisted of a rosacea group (n=40) and a control group (n=53). We compared objective parameters of the ocular surface, including conjunctival hyperemia, tear film stability and volume, meibomian gland dysfunction, dry eye disease, and ocular surface staining, between the two groups. Results: In the rosacea group, 69.23% were female. The mean age was 47.34 ± 12.62 years old. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in visual acuity (p=0.987), tear film parameters (tear meniscus height (p=0.338), noninvasive tear film rupture time (p=0.228), invasive rupture time (p=0.471), Schirmer’s test scores (p=0.244), conjunctival hyperemia (p=0.106), and fluorescein staining (p=0.489). Significant differences were found in meibography evaluations (p=0.026), mucous layer integrity (p=0.015), and ocular surface symptoms (p<0.0001). Rosacea patients also showed important eyelid differences in glandular expressibility (p<0.001), glandular secretion pattern (p<0.001), and telangiectasia (p<0.001) compared to controls. Conclusion: Meibomian gland dysfunction is frequently associated with dermatological conditions. It can be observed in morphological findings from meibography as well as lipid secretion impairment, leading to evaporative dry eye, ocular surface dysfunction, and inflammation.

ABSTRACT Objective The magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic criteria for a complete tear of metatarsophalangeal plantar plate are well-established. However, more subtle abnormalities can also occur and be a source of pain. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of degenerative plantar plate injuries in patients with metatarsalgia who underwent forefoot magnetic resonance imaging and describe the main abnormalities found. The hypothesis is that mild capsular fibrosis will have high sensitivity but low specificity for plantar plate degenerative injuries. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 85 patients (105 feet) with metatarsalgia who underwent forefoot magnetic resonance imaging using a specific protocol to study metatarsophalangeal plantar plate. The experiment observer classified second toe plantar plate as normal, complete rupture or degenerative lesion and described the main magnetic resonance imaging findings. Results A normal plantar plate was observed in 75 (71.4%) of the 105 feet assessed, in 25 (24%) feet there were degenerative plantar lesions, and in 5 (4.6%) feet there were complete ruptures. Degenerative injury of the plantar plate was best identified in coronal short axis intermediate-weighted images, with high sensitivity (92%). Pericapsular fibrosis below the intermetatarsal ligament was identified in 96% of cases, with high sensitivity (96%) for diagnosis of degenerative plantar plate injury. Conclusion Degenerative lesions of the metatarsophalangeal plantar plate were more prevalent than complete ruptures and were best viewed in coronal short axis intermediate-weighted sequences. Pericapsular fibrosis below the intermetatarsal ligament was the indirect finding most strongly associated with degenerative plantar plate injury.

ABSTRACT As leprosy and leprosy reactions are the most prevalent infectious cause of physical disability, it is important to commit efforts to better understand these chronic reactions. Infections, even when asymptomatic, can trigger leprosy reactions and Bartonella spp. in turn, can cause chronic infections. We presented a case of a 51-year-old man who was admitted presenting with chronic type 2 leprosy reactions. He had a lepromatous form of leprosy that was histologically diagnosed six months after the onset of signs and symptoms compatible with a chronic type 2 reaction. He reported a history of a previous hepatitis B diagnosis. During a 24-month multidrug therapy (MDT), chronic reactions were partially controlled with prednisone and thalidomide. Thirty-three months following the leprosy treatment, he still experienced chronic reactions, and whole bacilli as well as globi were found on a new skin biopsy. Since coinfections can trigger type 2 reactions and the patient had close contact with animals and ticks, we investigated the presence of a Bartonella sp. infection. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in a skin fragment obtained before the beginning of the leprosy retreatment. However, even after six months of a second leprosy MDT, he continued to experience type 2 chronic reactions. He was admitted to the hospital to undergo an intravenous antibiotic therapy for 14 days and then complete the treatment per os for ten more weeks. Leprosy reactions improved following the treatment for B. henselae. After completing the MDT treatment, he has been accompanied for sixty months with no signs of leprosy or leprosy reactions. The asymptomatic infection by B. henselaein this patient was considered the putative trigger of chronic leprosy reactions and leprosy relapse.

RESUMO Objetivo Correlacionar os achados de ressonância magnética (RNM) com o diagnóstico microbiológico e anatomopatológico de infecção na coluna vertebral. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de revisão de prontuários online (laboratório, anatomopatológico e setor de diagnóstico por imagem) de pacientes com diagnóstico de espondilodiscite, submetidos ao exame de RNM da coluna vertebral e acompanhados pelo Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, entre janeiro de 2014 e julho de 2018. Resultados O agente etiológico mais comum encontrado foi o S. aureus (57%). A hemocultura mostrou-se positiva em 76% dos casos e 82% dos pacientes submetidos à biópsia apresentaram diagnóstico de espondilodiscite. A dor foi o achado clínico mais prevalente e a coluna lombossacra foi o sítio mais frequente de infecção. No exame de RNM, a presença de hipossinal em T1, hipersinal em T2/STIR e destruição das placas terminais foram identificados em quase todos os casos. Conclusões Não houve correlação direta dos achados na RNM com um agente etiológico específico na espondilodiscite. A hemocultura e a biópsia são ferramentas diagnósticas importantes que devem ser utilizadas para o diagnóstico preciso do agente infeccioso. Nível de evidência IV; Estudo diagnóstico.

ABSTRACT Objective To correlate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the microbiological and anatomopathological diagnosis of spinal infection. Methods A retrospective, cohort review of online medical records (laboratory, anatomopathology and diagnostic imaging sector) of patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis, who underwent a full spine MR scan between January 2014 and July 2018 at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Results Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly found etiological agent (57%). Blood culture was positive in 76% of cases and 82% of the patients who underwent biopsy had a spondylodiscitis diagnosis. Pain was the most prevalent clinical symptom and the lumbosacral spine was the most frequent site of infection. T1 hyposignal, T2/STIR hypersignal, and terminal plate destruction were verified in almost all MR scans. Conclusions No direct correlation was found between MR findings and any specific etiological agent. Blood culture and biopsy are important diagnostic tools that should be used for accurate diagnosis of the infectious agent . Level of evidence IV; Diagnostic Study.

RESUMEN Objetivo Correlacionar los hallazgos de resonancia magnética (RNM) con el diagnóstico microbiológico y anatomopatológico de infección de la columna vertebral. Métodos Un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de revisión de prontuarios en línea (laboratorio, anatomopatológico y sector de diagnóstico por imagen) de pacientes con diagnóstico de espondilodiscitis, sometidos al examen de RNM de la columna vertebral y acompañados por el Departamento de Ortopedia y Traumatología de la Universidad Federal de São Paulo, entre enero de 2014 y julio de 2018. Resultados El agente etiológico más común encontrado fue el S. aureus (57%). El hemocultivo se mostró positivo en 76% de los casos y 82% de los pacientes sometidos a biopsia presentaron diagnóstico de espondilodiscitis. El dolor fue el hallazgo clínico más prevalente y la columna lumbosacra fue el sitio más frecuente de infección. En el examen de RNM, la presencia de hiposeñal en T1, hiperseñal en T2/STIR y destrucción de las placas terminales fueron identificadas en casi todos los casos. Conclusiones No hubo correlación directa de los hallazgos de la RNM con un agente etiológico específico en la espondilodiscitis. El hemocultivo y la biopsia son herramientas diagnósticas importantes, que deben ser utilizadas para el diagnóstico preciso del agente infeccioso. Nivel de evidencia IV; Estudio Diagnóstico.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar as características de imagem das espondiloartrites na ressonância magnética (RM) das articulações sacroilíacas (SI) quanto à topografia (em terços) e margem acometida, uma vez que esse aspecto é pouco abordado na literatura. Métodos: Estudo transversal com avaliação por RM (1,5 T) das SI em 16 pacientes com diagnóstico de espondiloartrite axial quanto à presença de alterações agudas (edema ósseo subcondral, entesite, sinovite e capsulite) e crônicas (erosões, esclerose óssea subcondral, ponte óssea e substituição gordurosa), feita por dois radiologistas, cegos para os dados clínicos. Os achados da RM foram correlacionados com dados clínicos, incluindo idade, tempo de doença, medicações, HLA-B27, BASDAI, ASDAS-VHS e ASDAS-PCR, BASMI, BASFI e mSASSS. Resultados: Padrão de edema ósseo e erosões apresentaram predomínio no terço superior das SI (p = 0,050 e p = 0,0014, respectivamente). Houve correlação entre o tempo de doença e alterações estruturais por terço acometido (p = 0,028-0,037), bem como a presença de pontes ósseas com o BASMI (p = 0,028) e o mSASSS (p = 0,014). Pacientes com osteíte no terço inferior apresentaram maiores valores de ASDAS (VHS: p = 0,011 e PCR: p = 0,017). Conclusão: As alterações inflamatórias crônicas e o padrão de edema ósseo predominaram no terço superior das SI, mas também havia acometimento concomitante dos terços médio ou inferior da articulação. A localização do acometimento no terço superior das SI se mostra insuficiente para a diferenciação entre degeneração e inflamação.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the imaging features of spondyloarthritis in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac (SI) joint and topography (in thirds) and affected margin, considering that this issue is rarely addressed in the literature. Methods: A cross-sectional study evaluating MRI (1.5 T) of SI in 16 patients with axial spondyloarthritis, for the presence of acute (subchondral bone edema, enthesitis, synovitis and capsulitis) and chronic (erosions, subchondral bone sclerosis, bony bridges, and fatty infiltration) changes, performed by two blinded radiologists. MRI findings were correlated with clinical data, including age, duration of disease, medications, HLA-B27, BASDAI, ASDAS-ESR and ASDAS-CRP, BASMI, BASFI, and mSASSS. Results: Bone edema pattern and erosions were predominant in the upper third of SI (p = 0.050 and p = 0.0014, respectively). There was a correlation between disease duration and structural changes by affected third (p = 0.028-0.037), as well as between the presence of bone bridges with BASMI (p = 0.028) and mSASSS (p = 0.014). Patients with osteitis in the lower third showed higher values for ASDAS (ESR: p = 0.011 and PCR: p = 0.017). Conclusion: Chronic inflammatory changes and the pattern of bone edema predominated in the upper third of SI, but a simultaneous involvement of middle or lower thirds of the joint was also noted. The location of involvement in the upper third of SI is insufficient to differentiate between degeneration and inflammation.

Resumo A avaliação por imagem é fundamental para o diagnóstico e acompanhamento clínico dos pacientes com espondiloartropatias. A ressonância magnética é o método de imagem mais importante para a detecção precoce de sacroileíte, permitindo a instituição de terapias que podem impedir a progressão da doença. Este estudo ilustra os principais critérios de ressonância magnética na definição de sacroileíte nas espondiloartropatias, com imagens selecionadas dos prontuários dos pacientes diagnosticados no nosso serviço, demonstrando tanto os achados da doença em atividade como as alterações crônicas de caráter irreversível. Embora a tomografia computadorizada e a radiografia convencional possam identificar lesões estruturais crônicas, tais como esclerose subcondral, erosões, depósitos de gordura e anquilose, apenas a ressonância magnética é capaz de demonstrar lesões inflamatórias ativas, tais como edema ósseo, osteíte, sinovite, entesite e capsulite.

Abstract Diagnostic imaging is crucial to the diagnosis and monitoring of spondyloarthropathies. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most relevant tool for the early detection of sacroiliitis, allowing the institution of therapeutic strategies to impede the progression of the disease. This study illustrates the major criteria for a magnetic resonance imaging-based diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy. The cases selected here present images obtained from the medical records of patients diagnosed with sacroiliitis over a two-year period at our facility, depicting the active and chronic, irreversible forms of the disease. Although computed tomography and conventional radiography can also identify structural changes, such as subchondral sclerosis, erosions, fat deposits, and ankylosis, only magnetic resonance imaging can reveal active inflammatory lesions, such as bone edema, osteitis, synovitis, enthesitis, and capsulitis.

Abstract: Periungual and paronychia-like skin lesions can mimic various diseases, setting up a diagnostic challenge that invariably requires correlation with complementary tests. We report a case of an ulcerated tumor of the nailfold diagnosed as leishmaniasis. Although paronychia-like cutaneous leishmaniasis is a rare variant, its epidemiological relevance in Brazil should prompt dermatologists to include it as a plausible diagnosis thus leading to correct work up and treatment.

RESUMO A gota é uma artrite caracterizada pela deposição de cristais de monourato sódico na membrana sinovial, na cartilagem articular e nos tecidos periarticulares que leva a um processo inflamatório. Na maioria dos casos o diagnóstico é estabelecido por critérios clínicos e pela análise do líquido sinovial, em busca dos cristais de MSU. Porém, a gota pode se manifestar de maneiras atípicas e dificultar o diagnóstico. Nessas situações, os exames de imagem têm papel fundamental, auxiliam na confirmação diagnóstica ou ainda excluem outros diagnósticos diferenciais. A radiografia convencional ainda é o método mais usado no acompanhamento desses pacientes, porém é um exame pouco sensível, por detectar somente alterações tardias. Nos últimos anos, surgiram avanços nos métodos de imagem em relação à gota. O ultrassom se mostra um exame de grande acurácia no diagnóstico de gota, identifica depósitos de MSU na cartilagem articular e nos tecidos periarticulares e detecta e caracteriza tofos, tendinopatias e entesopatias por tofos. A tomografia computadorizada é um ótimo exame para a detecção de erosões ósseas e avaliação do acometimento na coluna. A tomografia computadorizada de dupla-energia, um método novo, fornece informações sobre a composição química dos tecidos, permite a identificação dos depósitos de MSU com elevada acurácia. A ressonância magnética pode ser útil na avalição dos tecidos profundos, não acessíveis ao ultrassom. Além do diagnóstico, com o surgimento de drogas que visam reduzir a carga tofácea, os exames de imagem se tornam uma ferramenta útil no acompanhamento do tratamento dos pacientes com gota.

ABSTRACT Gout is an inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the synovial membrane, articular cartilage and periarticular tissues leading to inflammation. Men are more commonly affected, mainly after the 5th decade of life. Its incidence has been growing with the population aging.In the majority of the cases, the diagnosis is made by clinical criteria and synovial fluid analysis, in search for monosodium urate crystals. Nonetheless, gout may sometimes have atypical presentations, complicating the diagnosis. In these situations, imaging methods have a fundamental role, aiding in the diagnostic confirmation or excluding other possible differential diagnosis. Conventional radiographs are still the most commonly used method in gout patients’ evaluation; nevertheless, this is not a sensitive method, since it detect only late alterations. In the last years, there have been several advances in imaging methods for gout patients. Ultrasound has shown a great accuracy in the diagnosis of gout, identifying monosodium urate deposits in the synovial membrane and articular cartilage, in detecting and characterizing tophi and in identifying tophaceous tendinopathy and enthesopathy. Ultrasound has also been able to show crystal deposition in patients with articular pain in the absence of a classical gout crisis. Computed tomography is an excellent method for detecting bone erosions, being useful in spine involvement. Dual-energy CT is a new method able to provide information about the chemical composition of tissues, with high accuracy in the identification of monosodium urate deposits, even in the early stages of the disease and in cases of difficult characterization. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful in the evaluation of deep tissues not accessible by ultrasound. Besides the diagnosis, with the emergence of new drugs that aim to reduce tophaceous burden, imaging methods have become useful tools in monitoring the treatment of patients with gout.