Objectives:
The primary objective of the study was to determine the potential tissue changes and ultrasound elastography flow rates at the sensitive points in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and to obtain objective data; secondary aim is to determine the relationship between these flow rates and disease symptoms and quality of life and to determine the usefulness of these data in the follow-up of functional status and treatment of patients.
Materials and Methods:
Twenty-four female patients diagnosed as fibromyalgia syndrome with sensitive points in the upper trapezius and supraspinatus regions were questioned for morning stiffness, sleep quality, pain level (visual analog scale), mental status (Beck Depression Scale), functional status (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) and quality of life (SF-36). The ultrasound elastography flow velocities at the sensitive upper trapezoidal and supraspinatus points were measured with the Acuson S2000 ultrasound system (Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA). All data were analysed statistically for correlation.
Results:
The mean age was 51.4 years (min-max=26-74). There was a positive correlation between ultrasound elastography flow rates and some SF-36 subscores and left trapezoidal neutral position and Visual Analogue Score (r=0.510, p=0.013).
Conclusion:
The data is not sufficient to use ultrasound elastography flow rates as a quantitative diagnostic criterion in fibromyalgia syndrome. Further studies involving enough sample size and including a control group will allow the questioning of the true value of the significant correlations that we find.
Keywords: Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Shear-wave Elastography, Quality of Life
