Inflamed retrocalcaneal bursa and Achilles tendonitis in psoriatic arthritis demonstrated by ultrasonography

Objective-To demonstrate the use of high resolution ultrasound measurements and power Doppler mode in the diagnosis and follow up of a patient with psoriatic arthritic with retrocalcaneal bursitis and Achilles tendonitis. Methods-An outpatient based ATL HDI 3000 ultrasound equipment was used with a CL10-5 MHZ 26 mm probe and musculoskeletal software. Real time B mode and power Doppler mode were used to detect changes in structure and blood flow. Results-Unilateral retrocalcaneal bursitis and Achilles tendonitis were demonstrated by sonography. Power Doppler mode was useful to demonstrate an increased blood flow around an abnormal retrocalcaneal bursa. A follow up examination showed marginal thickening of the Achilles tendon without any bursitis. Conclusions-Ultrasonography is an objective method in the confirmation of clinical diagnosis after physical examination. During the examination it is possible to gain not only qualitative but also quantitative data. A comparative study with quantitative data is possible in longitudinal studies.