Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis: comparison of contrast-enhanced MRI with noncontrast-enhanced MRI

Clin Imaging. 2015 Nov-Dec;39(6):1061-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2015.08.006. Epub 2015 Aug 15.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and non-CE MRI for adhesive capsulitis (AC).

Methods: CE MRI of 50 AC and 53 non-AC patients were reviewed by two radiologists independently.

Results: Axillary capsular thickening and T2 hyperintensity (sensitivity=92-94%; specificity=53-64%) and enhancement of the axillary capsule and rotator interval (sensitivity=92-98%; specificity=38-64%) were helpful in diagnosing AC. Interobserver reliability was highest with axillary joint capsule enhancement (κ=0.92).

Conclusion: Non-CE and CE MRI are helpful in confirming the clinical diagnosis of AC. CE-MRI may improve assessment of the rotator interval and diagnostic confidence in patients with AC.

Keywords: Adhesive capsulitis; Axillary capsule; Contrast-enhanced MRI; Rotator interval.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bursitis / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Shoulder Joint / pathology*
  • Young Adult