Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and other tissues. This condition triggers an acute inflammatory response; over time, it can increase the incidence and disability associated with chronic gout. Beyond the musculoskeletal system, gout is also linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease). Chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are the primary mechanisms underlying this association. In recent years, dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has enabled the direct detection of MSU deposits in the ankle joint and coronary artery walls, which may serve as one of the driving factors for plaque inflammation and rupture. DECT utilizes distinct energy absorption spectra to differentiate MSU deposits from other substances, providing an non-invasive method for assessing the extent of MSU crystal deposition. It has been demonstrated that DECT can be accurately employed to identify MSU deposits within larger anatomical structures-such as urate crystals in peripheral joints-as well as to detect MSU within coronary artery plaques. In conclusion, monitoring the relationship between gout burden and the severity of atherosclerosis in patients with podagra can serve as an imaging-based reference for predicting the risk of cardiovascular adverse events in these patients.