Computer-aided diagnosis in rheumatic diseases using ultrasound: an overview.

Clinical evaluation of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases through images is a challenge for the beginner rheumatologist since image diagnosis is an expert task with a long learning curve. The aim of this work was to present a narrative review on the main ultrasound computer-aided diagnosis systems that may help clinicians thanks to the progress made in the application of artificial intelligence techniques. We performed a literature review searching for original articles in seven repositories, from 1970 to 2019, and identified 11 main methods currently used in ultrasound computer-aided diagnosis systems.

Ochronotic arthropathy as a paradigm of metabolically induced degenerative joint disease. A case-based review.

Alkaptonuria is a rare, hereditary metabolic disorder in which a deficiency in the homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase enzyme results in an accumulation of homogentisic acid. Deposition of excess homogentisic acid in different intra- and extra-articular structures with high content of connective tissue causes brownish-black pigmentation and weakening, ultimately resulting in tissue degeneration and finally osteoarthritis. Ochronotic arthropathy is considered a rapidly progressive, disabling condition in which weight-bearing joints and the thoracolumbar spine are predominantly affected.

[Imaging: new techniques used in osteoarthritis].

Nowadays, one of the critical challenges for imaging techniques is the development of more sensitive methods to assess osteoarthritis. This review is focused on the main methods used to evaluate anatomical damage in osteoarthritis patients. Conventional radiography is the more accessible and well known method, but can not evaluate non-calcified tissues.