An observational study in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Gouty Arthritis (GA) and Gout, sponsored by Assiut University. Not yet recruiting. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-18.
Sponsored by Assiut University · Observational
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gouty arthritis (GA) are two common forms of joint inflammation that can present with very similar physical symptoms, making them difficult to tell apart early in the disease process. Accurate and early differentiation is crucial because the treatment strategies and long-term management for the two conditions are substantially different.
The primary purpose of this observational study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in distinguishing between RA and GA. Ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free imaging tool that can visualize joint inflammation and structural changes in real-time. This study utilizes a structured semi-quantitative scoring system (graded on a scale of 0 to 3) to systematically measure the severity of joint lining thickness (synovial hypertrophy) and active blood flow (power Doppler signal). It also checks for crystal-related deposits, such as tophi or the double contour sign, which are highly suggestive of gout.
Participants aged 18 and older with suspected or confirmed RA or GA who are referred for joint assessment at Assiut University Hospitals will undergo a standard clinical evaluation, routine laboratory testing, and an ultrasound examination of specific target joints (such as the wrists, hands, knees, and ankles). By comparing the ultrasound scores and specific structural findings between the two patient groups, the study aims to establish a reliable, standardized imaging approach to help physicians make faster, more confident diagnoses and initiate the correct disease-specific therapies sooner.
3,332 studies on the registry are indexed under Arthritis, Rheumatoid; 443 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 100 is below the median of 176 across 1,016 observational studies indexed under Arthritis, Rheumatoid.
Browse Arthritis, Rheumatoid studies →Assiut University is the lead sponsor of 5,078 studies on the registry; 2,178 are open to participants now.
Of its 14 completed or terminated interventional studies of FDA-regulated products, 0 (0%) have results posted.
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The study population consists of adult patients, aged 18 years or older, of either sex. It includes individuals presenting with clinically suspected or confirmed rheumatoid arthritis or gouty arthritis. These participants are specifically those referred to the radiology department at Assiut University Hospitals in Assiut, Egypt, for a musculoskeletal ultrasound assessment of painful, swollen, or inflamed joints.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Patients aged 18 years or older presenting with clinically suspected or confirmed rheumatoid arthritis. Participants undergo standard clinical and laboratory assessment followed by a musculoskeletal ultrasound examination of target joints (including wrists, metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, knees, and ankles). The ultrasound evaluates the presence and severity of gray-scale synovitis, power Doppler vascularity, joint effusion, and bone erosions using a 0-3 semi-quantitative scoring system.
Patients aged 18 years or older presenting with clinically suspected or confirmed gouty arthritis. Participants undergo standard clinical and laboratory assessment followed by a musculoskeletal ultrasound examination of target joints, particularly the first metatarsophalangeal joint and other symptomatic areas. The ultrasound applies a semi-quantitative scoring system to evaluate inflammatory changes and specifically targets crystal-related findings, including the double contour sign, tophus formation, hyperechoic aggregates, and erosions with overhanging edges.
Semi-quantitative Gray-Scale Synovitis Score
Synovial hypertrophy evaluated using high-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound, graded on a 0 to 3 scale where 0 indicates no synovial thickening, 1 indicates mild synovial hypertrophy, 2 indicates moderate synovial hypertrophy, and 3 indicates severe synovial hypertrophy.
Time frame: Baseline (Single assessment at the time of the cross-sectional ultrasound examination)
Semi-quantitative Power Doppler Synovitis Score
Synovial vascularity evaluated using high-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound, graded on a 0 to 3 scale where 0 indicates no Doppler signal, 1 indicates a mild signal, 2 indicates a moderate signal, and 3 indicates marked Doppler activity.
Time frame: Baseline (Single assessment)
Presence of Double Contour Sign
The frequency of the double contour sign, representing urate crystal deposits on the articular cartilage, detected via musculoskeletal ultrasound in the target joints.
Time frame: Baseline (Single assessment)
Presence of Tophi
The frequency of tophus formation, identified as hyperechoic aggregates, detected via musculoskeletal ultrasound in the target joints.
Time frame: Baseline (Single assessment)
Frequency of Bone Erosions
The presence and frequency of bone erosions detected via musculoskeletal ultrasound in the target joints.
Time frame: Baseline (Single assessment)
Frequency of Tenosynovitis
The presence and frequency of tenosynovitis detected via musculoskeletal ultrasound in the target joints.
Time frame: Baseline (Single assessment)
No study locations are listed for this record.
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Jun 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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