Ultrasound findings of the sternoclavicular and shoulder joints in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonographic examination of joints is a non-invasive method to detect and monitor Dialysis-associated amyloidosis (DRA).

METHODS: An ultrasonographic examination of the sternoclavicular (SC) and shoulder joints was performed in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and those with normal renal function in the control group. The maximum distance (D) of SC, the rotator cuff thickness (RCs), and the echogenic pads (EPs) of the shoulder were evaluated.

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the MHD group had a higher D of SC, a higher proportion of RCs ≥8 mm, and a higher proportion of EPs positive. Adjust for age and Kt/V, the D of SC was positively related to dialysis vintage, standardized coefficients β = 0.329, p = 0.004. A significant positive correlation existed between the D of SC and the RCs.

CONCLUSION: In addition to the shoulder joint, the sternoclavicular is a suitable site for ultrasonographic detection of DRA.