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CT Gout Protocol

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    DECT or CT Non-contrast Joint region to Extended coverage
    • Gout
    • Tophi
    • Urate deposition
    • CPPD
    • Crystal arthropathy

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Variable - affected joint
    • NPO Status: N/A

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    No Intravenous Contrast

    This protocol does not require IV contrast administration.

  • 4. Special Notes

    • Dual energy CT if available for urate detection. Single energy if not. Cover affected joint(s). Extended FOV if polyarticular
    • Additional Recons: Urate volume quantification. Color overlay. Document tophi locations
    • No IV. Document affected joints

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A
    • Allergy: N/A
    • Urate crystals color-coded on DECT. Tophi. Joint erosions. Soft tissue deposits. Quantify urate burden
    • Dual energy preferred for urate detection
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout Joint region Extended as needed N/A N/A Appropriate views
DECT or CT Joint region Extended coverage N/A 0.625-1 mm Dual energy if available
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Gout Joints 1 mm/1 mm Bone and Standard 3 Standard images
DECT urate Gout Joints Color overlay Urate algorithm N/A Urate crystal map
3D volume Gout Urate burden Volumetric Urate N/A Quantify total urate
Coronal Gout Joints 1.5 mm Bone N/A Joint erosions