Extra-articular sonography in rheumatology

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases are often of a systemic character. Besides joint manifestations, all kind of musculoskeletal structures can be involved. Moreover, in systemic autoimmune diseases like SLE, organ involvement may also be present. The ultrasound technique enables the examination not only of joints and soft tissues but also of all kinds of abdominal organs. Pathological results include pathognomonic findings like hepatosplenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. Ultrasound as a non-invasive method is also used for examining the vascular system, e.g., in patients with vasculitis. In Sjoegrens syndrome a specific echogenic pattern may be found. Ultrasound is of particular diagnostic value in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease and extra-articular manifestations.