Monosodium Urate Crystal Deposition in Coronary Artery Plaque by 128-Slice Dual-Energy Computed Tomography: An Ex Vivo Phantom and In Vivo Study

The objective was to assess whether dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) allows for detection of MSU in coronary plaque. Methods Patients were examined with 128-slice DECT applying a cardiac electrocardiogram-gated and peripheral extremity protocol. Patients were divided into 3 groups: gout (tophi>1 cm in peripheral joints), hyperuricemia (>6.5 mg/dL serum uric acid), and controls. The groups were matched for cardiovascular risk factors. Monosodium uric acid–positive (+) and calcified plaque were distinguished, and the coronary artery calcium score was calculated. Ex vivo phantom: MSU solutions were diluted in different NaCL solutions (5%/10%/15%/20%/25%). Coronary artery models with 2 different plaque types (MSU+ and calcified) were created. Results A total of 96 patients were included (37 with gout, 33 with hyperuricemia, and 26 controls). Monosodium uric acid–positive plaques were found more often in patients with gout as compared with controls (91.9% vs 0.38%; P
Source: Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography - Category: Radiology Tags: Cardiovascular: Cardiac Source Type: research