Advanced imaging assessment of gout: comparison of dual-energy CT and MRI with anatomical pathology

Dual-energy CT (DECT) and MRI are advanced imaging methods used to visualise gout pathology. DECT can identify monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in people with gout,1 ,2 and also has conventional CT properties, allowing assessment of tophus and bone pathology.3 ,4 MRI is used to assess inflammation, bone erosion and cartilage damage in gout.5–7 This study aimed to compare DECT and MRI with corresponding anatomical pathology in the assessment of gout. Cadaveric joint specimens were obtained from two donors; a donor aged 82 years with crystal-proven tophaceous gout and a control donor aged 89 years without gout (12 joints from each). All joints were scanned by DECT (SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens Medical, Erlangen, Germany) and MRI (3T MAGNETOM Skyra, Siemens Medical), and then processed for histology, including digital photography of sectioned digits (sagittal plane) for macroscopic analysis, and preparation of histology slides from each individual joint for microscopic analysis. Slides were stained with H&E or 1% toluidine blue. Collection and use of cadaveric tissue was in accordance with the New Zealand Human Tissue Act 2008. All images and histology data were systematically assessed for gout pathology by experienced readers who were blinded to diagnosis and each other's scores. …