Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Urate Crystal Deposition in Tendons With Gout Patients

ABSTRACT Objective To use ultrasound technology to assess the deposition of urate crystals in the common lower limb tendons of patients with gout, providing additional imaging information for the management of these patients. Methods High‐frequency ultrasound was retrospectively used to evaluate urate crystal deposition in common lower limb tendons—quadriceps, patellar, and Achilles—in patients with gouty arthritis. Comparative statistical analysis was conducted among asymptomatic hyperuricemia patients and healthy individuals during the same period. Results Aggregates were detected in the tendons of all three groups, whereas tophi were found exclusively in tendons of asymptomatic hyperuricemia and gout groups. The prevalence of intratendinous aggregates and tophi in gout was significantly higher than the other groups (p