Ultrasound-Guided Procedures in Rheumatology Daily Practice: Feasibility, Accuracy, and Safety Issues. Issue 6 (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cipolletta, Edoardo; Filippucci, Emilio; Incorvaia, Antonella; Schettino, Martina; Smerilli, Gianluca; Di Battista, Jacopo; Tesei, Giulia; Cosatti, Micaela Ana; Di Donato, Eleonora; Tardella, Marika; Di Matteo, Andrea; Di Carlo, Marco; Grassi, Walter
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical rheumatology. Volume 27:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: US-guided procedures -- arthrocentesis -- injections -- ultrasound, musculoskeletal interventional procedures; Rheumatism -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Musculoskeletal Diseases -- Periodicals; Rheumatic Diseases -- Periodicals; Rhumatisme -- Périodiques; Rhumatologie -- Périodiques; Appareil locomoteur -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases; Rheumatism; Rheumatology; Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000001298
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1076-1608

Abstract

Abstract : Background/Objective: The aims of this study were to describe in detail the ultrasound (US)-guided procedures in our daily rheumatology practice, to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of US-guided procedures, and to test the efficacy of our disinfection protocol in preventing infectious complications. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and monocentric study. Information regarding patients' age, sex, body mass index, rheumatic disease, US pathological findings, aspirated and/or injected anatomical site, US equipment (ie, probe type and frequency), and needle type was consecutively collected for each US-guided procedure in a third-level rheumatology center. Results: A total of 643 US-guided procedures were performed, with a mean of 5.2 procedures per working-day. In 94.2% of the patients, only one procedure was carried out, whereas in 5.8%, more than one. The mean time was 7 ± 2.5 minutes. Ultrasound-guided procedures were highly accurate (accuracy rate higher than 95%) and safe (adverse events were reported in 0.8%). Our disinfection protocol was effective in preventing infectious complications. Probes with frequency values between 8 to 13 MHz and 20-, 21-, and 22-gauge needles were the most frequently used at shoulder, knee, wrist, elbow, and ankle level. High-frequency linear probes (ranging between 18 and 22 MHz) and 23- and 25-gauge needles were used for injecting small joints of the hands and feet. Convex low-frequency probe (2–7 MHz) and 18- and 20-gauge needles were the most used for performing hip joint aspirations and/or injections. Conclusions: This study reports useful information for setting up a service providing US-guided procedures in rheumatology and supports the feasibility, accuracy, and safety of US-guided procedures. Abstract : Supplemental digital content is available in the text.