ACHILLES-TENDON - SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS AN D DIFFERENTIAL-DIAGNOSIS

To correlate sonographic findings and clinical disorders of the Achill es tendon, considering newer aspects of their etiology and pathogenesi s. Method: In a retrospective cross-sectional study the sonographic fi ndings in 52 patients with tendonitis, heel swelling, or suspected rup ture were analysed and correlated with the final diagnosis. Tendon les ions due to lipid storage diseases or rheumatic diseases were analysed on the basis of reports in the literature. Results: Ultrasound abnorm alities were found in 41 of the 52 symptomatic patients (40 degenerati ve changes of the tendon and/or the peritendinous tissue, 1 inflammato ry rheumatologic process, 1 metabolic disorder, 8 ruptures, 2 congenit al or developmental abnormalities). Ultrasound signs were not specific for each of the diagnoses but typical combinations of distinctive sig ns together with clinical findings led to the correct diagnoses. Concl usion: Patients with suspected lesions of the Achilles tendon should u ndergo an ultrasound investigation both to promote the exact diagnosis and to define the extent of the disease.