Summary
This study aimed to develop and evaluate the reliability of a consensus-based ultrasound scoring system for Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition (CPPD), representing the next phase in the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) methodology. The novel scoring system was developed through a Delphi survey based on expert opinions, following a systematic review of existing CPPD scoring systems.
The four-grade semiquantitative scoring system applied to the knee and wrist structures demonstrated almost perfect intra-reader and substantial inter-reader reliabilities on both static images and patient assessments.
The scoring system, validated in this study, could serve as a valuable tool for ensuring valid and comparable results in clinical trials and monitoring the extent of crystal deposition in patients with CPPD in clinical practice.
