The Correlation Between Sodium Urate (MSU) Deposition and Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients With Foot Gout

Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University

This observational study aims to evaluate the association between sodium urate deposition volume and coronary atherosclerotic plaques in patients with foot gout using dual-energy CT (DECT) and coronary CTA. This study will explore imaging-based evidence for the progression and risk prediction of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with gout.

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and other tissues. This condition triggers an acute inflammatory response; over time, it can increase the incidence and disability associated with chronic gout. Beyond the musculoskeletal system, gout is also linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases (e.g., coronary artery disease). Chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are the primary mechanisms underlying this association. In recent years, dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has enabled the direct detection of MSU deposits in the ankle joint and coronary artery walls, which may serve as one of the driving factors for plaque inflammation and rupture. DECT utilizes distinct energy absorption spectra to differentiate MSU deposits from other substances, providing an non-invasive method for assessing the extent of MSU crystal deposition. It has been demonstrated that DECT can be accurately employed to identify MSU deposits within larger anatomical structures-such as urate crystals in peripheral joints-as well as to detect MSU within coronary artery plaques. In conclusion, monitoring the relationship between gout burden and the severity of atherosclerosis in patients with podagra can serve as an imaging-based reference for predicting the risk of cardiovascular adverse events in these patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged ≥18 years, male or female
• Clinically diagnosed with podagra
• Having high-risk factors for cardiovascular disease
• Complete clinical data available
• Patients and their family members are informed, consent and have signed the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who are preparing for pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding
• Male and female subjects of reproductive age who are unable to take effective contraceptive measures
• Patients who cannot or are unable to undergo CTA scans
• Patients with severe heart diseases such as severe heart failure, severe heart valve disease and cardiomyopathy
• Severe hemodynamic instability
• Any other reason making subjects unsuitable to participate in the study, including subjects who are unable or unwilling to comply with the requirements of the study protocol