Heterogeneous Knee Effusions on Point-of-Care Ultrasound in a Toddler Diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound can provide information about joint effusions and the quality of the effusion. This case report describes the findings of a previously healthy pediatric patient with acute onset of knee swelling and abnormal gait. After point-of-care ultrasound demonstrated bilateral knee effusions with complex, heterogeneous material, subsequent workup revealed a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We review the ultrasound technique, sonographic findings, and literature regarding point-of-care ultrasound for knee effusions and JIA.