Abstract: Objective This study aims to investigate the correlation between acute episodes of brucellosis and increased blood flow signals in tendons or surrounding synovial membranes, evaluating the potential of musculoskeletal ultrasound with color Doppler imaging for identifying active phases of brucellosis. Method Ninety patients diagnosed with brucellosis from August 2023 to April 2024 at the Second Hospital of Hohhot were included in the study. Based on the presence of fever and laboratory findings, they were divided into an acute episode group and a non-acute episode group. All cases underwent musculoskeletal ultrasound with color Doppler imaging to observe blood flow signals in tendons and surrounding synovial membranes. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the groups. Result The acute episode group included 56 patients (62.2%), of whom 19 (33.9%) showed increased blood flow signals, while 37 (66.1%) had no significant blood flow signals. In the non-acute episode group of 34 patients (37.8%), 4 (11.8%) exhibited increased blood flow signals, while 30 (88.2%) showed no significant signals. Chi-square tests revealed a significant difference in the imaging characteristics between the two groups, with statistical significance (P=0.019). Correlation testing using the Phi coefficient yielded a value of 0.246, indicating a moderate positive correlation with statistical significance (P=0.019). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of patients with increased blood flow signals being in the acute phase was 3.851 times higher than those without significant blood flow signals, with a statistically significant relationship (P=0.025). Conclusion Increased blood flow signals in tendons or surrounding synovial membranes are moderately correlated with acute episodes of brucellosis. These findings can complement other clinical diagnostic indicators, making musculoskeletal ultrasound with color Doppler imaging a promising auxiliary tool for assessing active phases of brucellosis. This technique may provide clinicians with more accurate diagnostic and management strategies.

Key words: Brucellosis, Musculoskeletal ultrasound, Inflammatory activity indicator, Soft tissue blood flow signals