Three-dimensional ultrasound reliability of synovial blood flow assessment in thumb osteoarthritis patients

Megan Hutter*, Randa Mudathir, Carla du Toit, Assaf Kadar, Emily Lalone, Aaron Fenster

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The basal thumb joint is a prevalent site of osteoarthritis (OA) affecting 15% of people over the age of 30. Inflammation is recognized as a key factor in the disease and its progression. Vascular changes and blood vessel growth are associated with inflammation and contribute to OA progression. Imaging modalities, including ultrasound (US), have been used to visualize and monitor these changes, while also furthering our understanding of the role of inflammation and angiogenesis in OA. US can detect and visualize blood flow with Doppler technologies. These US methods are used in musculoskeletal imaging to evaluate joint inflammation but are limited to two-dimensional assessment. Comprehensive joint imaging is essential to improving our understanding of vascular changes and the role of inflammation in OA. Three-dimensional (3D) US is emerging for musculoskeletal applications, and we have developed a 3D US device for hand and wrist imaging with Doppler capabilities. This paper aims to investigate the test-retest reliability of the 3D Doppler US measures of synovial blood flow in patients with thumb OA. Fifteen patients were imaged two times during an imaging session using 3D Doppler US. Volumetric synovial blood flow measures were determined for the segmented region of synovial inflammation and corresponding Doppler signals. US measures of 3D Doppler signal demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability. This work furthers the development of 3D US imaging tools and measures for musculoskeletal imaging to allow for comprehensive assessments of US imaging features.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMedical Imaging 2025
Subtitle of host publicationUltrasonic Imaging and Tomography
EditorsChristian Boehm, Mohammad Mehrmohammadi
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510686021
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025
Externally publishedYes
EventMedical Imaging 2025: Ultrasonic Imaging and Tomography - San Diego, United States
Duration: 18 Feb 202520 Feb 2025

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume13412
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceMedical Imaging 2025: Ultrasonic Imaging and Tomography
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period18/02/2520/02/25

Funding

FundersFunder number
Bone and Joint Institute
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Western University

    Keywords

    • 3D acquisition
    • Doppler effect
    • Image segmentation
    • Tissues
    • Ultrasonography
    • Visualization

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