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 ps oriatic 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 an d power Doppler mode were used to detect changes in structure and blood flo w. Results-Unilateral retrocalcaneal bursitis and Achilles tendonitis were dem onstrated by sonography. Power Doppler mode was useful to demonstrate an in creased blood flow around an abnormal retrocalcaneal bursa. A follow up exa mination showed marginal thickening of the Achilles tendon without any burs itis. Conclusions-Ultrasonography is an objective method in the confirmation of c linical diagnosis after physical examination. During the examination it is possible to gain not only qualitative but also quantitative data. A compara tive study with quantitative data is possible in longitudinal studies.