Abstract：Objective: To compare the diagnosis value of X-ray, CT and MRI imaging in gouty arthritis. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 112 symptomic joint of 56 patients with gouty arthritis. The images of X-ray, CT and MRI were collected. The Chi-square test was used to compare the diagnosis ability of X-ray, CT and MRI. Results: The diagnostic positive rate of X-ray, CT and MRI were 53%(59/112), 74%(83/112) and 88%(99/112) respectively. MRI was superior to X-ray and CT(χ2=7.502, P=0.006; χ2=34.369, P<0.001）. X-ray was inferior to CT(χ2=18.576, P<0.001; χ2=13.069, P<0.001) and MRI(χ2=24.605, P<0.001; χ2=31.112, P<0.001) in finding a tophus joint and cystic relevant section under the surface of the joints. There was no significant difference between CT and MRI in finding a tophus joint and cystic relevant section under the surface of the joints(χ2=0.466, P=0.495; χ2=3.211, P=0.073). However, MRI was superior to CT in finding synovial thickening and ligament erosion, cartilage erosion, joint effusion and muscle edema around the joint gap(χ2=19.790, P<0.001; χ2=11.568, P<0.001; χ2=13.297, P<0.001; χ2=6.720, P=0.01). Conclusion: X-ray, CT and MRI all could be used for the diagnosis of gouty arthritis. The diagnosis of MRI was superior to the others, but CT is characterized by specificity of tophus and X-ray could be employed in patients with comparison of severe lesion.
2015, Vol. 26 
