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[Contribution of gradient-echo MRI in the study of subacromial pathology: correlation between surgery and arthrography].

30 asymptomatic volunteer subjects and more than 400 patients with suspected rotator cuff lesions were examined by MRI at 0.5 T using T2*-PD weighted gradient echo (T2-GEI) sequences. Its superiority over T2 spin echo imaging was established in previous studies. The results were compared to those of surgery in 87 cases and arthrography in 233 cases (associated with CT arthrography in 70 cases). In the operated patients, T2-GEI and arthrography correctly diagnosed 49 complete ruptures (CR). T2-GEI was found to be superior to arthrography for defining the real extent of the rupture, the degree of tendon retraction and the local muscular trophicity, essential information to define the therapeutic indications. In contrast, among 22 lesions of the long biceps tendon, correctly demonstrated by arthrography or CT arthrography, 5 intracapsular lesions were not detected by MRI. MRI was able to detect 8 lesions of the anterior labrum associated with a CR not demonstrated by arthrography. Lastly, among the 18 cases of partial inferior rupture (PIR), 6 partial superficial ruptures and 14 cases of inflammatory changes, correctly diagnosed by MRI, only 8 PIR were also demonstrated by arthrography. For the non-operated patients investigated by the two modalities (146 cases), T2-GEI and arthrography were concordant in 43 cases. In contrast, 103 intact cuffs on arthrography showed features on T2-GEI compatible with tendinopathy without rupture, bursitis and degenerative changes. In the absence of very fine surgical or histological correlations for these small lesions, it is impossible, at the present time, to determine the real sensitivity and specificity of MRI.

Arthrography↗

[MR-arthrography: general principles and applications].

The recent approval by the French Ministry of Health of the use of intra-articular Gadolinium could promote the increasing use of MR-arthrography in France. Although useful in specific pathologies, it should not be overly prescribed and should be considered only if it provides a more accurate diagnosis than other less invasive techniques. The technical aspects and medico-legal implications of MR-arthrography as well as its various indications are reviewed in this article. There are three possible techniques: indirect MR-arthrography with IV Gadolinium injection, direct MR-arthrography with intra-articular Gadolinium injection and lastly, direct MR-arthrography with intra-articular injection of iodinated contrast media (or saline solution). Indirect MR-arthrography cannot be recommended because of insufficient contrast enhancement and the absence of joint filling. Conversely, direct MR-arthrography allows joint expansion which smooths out capsule and ligaments, better delineates articular surfaces and yields a homogeneous high intensity signal of the entire joint. Direct MR-arthrography with iodinated contrast media combines standard arthrography with conventional MRI. Direct MR-arthrography with intra-articular injection of dilute Gadolinium is associated with T1WI, usually of higher quality than T2WI, even though the latter remains part of the protocol. Although, the last two techniques yield higher image quality and are often performed for various articular pathologies, they should not be randomly carried out in the evaluation of joint pathology. However, they should be recommended as the first step in the diagnosis of painful shoulders or hips in young adults and athletes.

Arthrography↗

The scapholunate interosseous ligament in MR arthrography of the wrist: correlation with non-enhanced MRI and wrist arthroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare three-compartment MR wrist arthrography with non-enhanced MRI in correlation with wrist arthroscopy, and to evaluate the potential of MR arthrography for consistently visualizing all parts of the scapholunate interosseous ligament of the wrist (SLIL) and exactly diagnosing the site and extent of SLIL defects. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: In 41 patients with wrist pain (34 patients with wrist pain for more than 6 months) plain radiographs, stress views, non-enhanced MRI and three-compartment MR arthrography were done within 2 h of each other, using three-dimensional volume acquisition (0.6-1.0 mm effective slice thickness) with a gradient-recalled echo sequence and a 1.5-T magnet. The MR arthrography findings were compared with the findings from non-enhanced MRI and correlated with the arthroscopic findings in all patients. RESULTS: The dorsal, central and palmar segments of the SLIL could be delineated exactly by MR arthrography in 95% of the patients; with non-enhanced MRI only 28% of SLIL segments were seen consistently. Demonstration of SLIL defects was possible with high diagnostic confidence in 42% of SLIL segments by non-enhanced MRI and in 94% by MR arthrography. With wrist arthroscopy as the standard of reference, sensitivity and specificity values for SLIL perforations were 52%/34% for non-enhanced MRI and 90%/87% for MR arthrography. CONCLUSIONS: MR arthrography, using three-dimensional volume acquisition with thin slices (0.6-1.0 mm), combines the advantages of three-compartment arthrography and non-enhanced MRI. It shows the precise location and magnitude of ligamentous defects of all parts of the SLIL, correlates well with wrist arthroscopy and has potential implications for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Adult↗

The value of contrast and subtraction arthrography in the assessment of aseptic loosening of total hip prostheses: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and compare the diagnostic accuracy of contrast and subtraction arthrography in the assessment of aseptic loosening of total hip arthroplasties. DESIGN: This meta-analysis was performed using methods described by the Cochrane Methods Group on Systematic Reviews of Screening and Diagnostic Tests. We included original, English-language papers published between January 1975 to October 2004 that examined contrast-enhanced arthrography with or without subtraction for diagnosis of loosening of total hip prostheses. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed by two investigators. RESULTS: With regard to the acetabular component, pooled sensitivity and specificity for contrast arthrography was 70% (95% confidence interval, 52-84) and 74% (95% CI, 53-87), respectively. Subtraction arthrography had a significantly higher sensitivity of 89% (95% CI, 84-93) (p=0.01), with a similar specificity of 76% (95% CI, 68-82). For the femoral component, pooled sensitivity and specificity for contrast arthrography were 63% (95% CI, 53-72) and 78% (95% CI, 68-86). Pooled estimates for subtraction arthrography revealed a significantly higher sensitivity of 86% (95% CI, 74-93) (p=0.003). Specificity was 85% (95% CI, 77-91) and was similar to the data of contrast arthrography (p=0.23). CONCLUSION: Using the present data we found that the subtraction arthrography is a sensitive technique for detection of loosening of total hip prostheses, offering added value over contrast arthrography, especially for evaluation of the femoral component.

Adult↗

Analysis of patellar cartilage. Comparison of conventional MR imaging and MR and CT arthrography in cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivity of conventional MR sequences, MR arthrography, and CT arthrography for the detection of cartilage lesions of the patella in cadavers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cartilage lesions in 10 cadaveric specimens were evaluated by MR imaging, including T1-weighted, proton density-weighted and T2-weighted sequences, and fat-suppressed spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in the steady state (SPGR), MR arthrography including T1-weighted and SPGR sequences, and double-contrast CT arthrography including conventional and subtracted images. The sensitivities with regard to detection of lesions were compared to results from morphologic and histologic investigations of sectioned specimens. RESULTS: Twenty-one lesions were detected morphologically. For the detection of these lesions, sensitivities were as follows: T1-weighted images 33.3%; proton density-weighted images 85.7%; T2-weighted images 85.7%; SPGR images 80.9%; MR arthrography with T1-SE sequences 57.1%; MR arthrography with SPGR sequence 90.5%; and CT arthrography, both regular and subtracted images 85.7%. CONCLUSION: For noninvasive techniques, T2-weighted images revealed the highest sensitivity for the detection of patellar cartilage lesions, which was surpassed only by MR arthrography using the SPGR sequence. CT arthrography delineated surface irregularities but failed to demonstrate intrachondral lesions.

Aged↗

Magnetic resonance imaging or arthrography of the shoulder: which do patients prefer?

110 consecutive patients were asked about their degree of anxiety (SAI scores), pain (VAS scores) and preferences at various stages before and after imaging in order to determine whether patients with shoulder problems prefer MRI or shoulder arthrography. 88 patients underwent MRI, 42 arthrography and 19 both. Mean levels of anxiety were slightly higher for patients undergoing MRI than those having arthrography, but this difference was not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.03) reduction in anxiety after arthrography, but not following MRI. Pain scores fell for both patient groups while at rest during the imaging procedure compared with their pre-imaging baseline measurement. This was statistically significant (p < 0.03) for MRI, but not for arthrography. A significantly higher proportion (p < 0.001) of patients found MRI unpleasant or extremely unpleasant (20/77) compared with arthrography (3/41). Of the 25 patients who expressed a preference on the basis of past or current experience, 11 preferred MRI and 14 arthrography (NS). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who would not allow the test to be repeated (29/73 for MRI, 15/39 for arthrography): Although there were minor differences in both the anxiety and pain experienced by patients undergoing MRI and arthrography, this study did not reveal any firm preference for either investigation.

Adolescent↗

Cost effectiveness of wrist fluoroscopy and arthrography in the evaluation of obscure wrist pain.

The cost effectiveness of wrist fluoroscopy and arthrography was evaluated in patients with obscure wrist pain. Dynamic fluoroscopy was performed in 91 cases and was positive in 54 (59%). Radiocarpal arthrography was performed in 60 of these cases in which further information was desired. Arthrography increased the diagnostic yield to 62 of 91 cases (68%). Diagnoses included ligament and cartilage tears, and dynamic intercarpal instability. The cost per positive examination for fluoroscopy, based on total cost for fluoroscopy in 91 patients divided by number of positive cases, is $126. The cost per positive examination by arthrography alone is $377. When arthrography is done only when fluoroscopy is equivocal or negative, the cost per positive examination (fluoroscopy plus arthrography) drops to $280. Wrist arthrography is only cost effective if done after dynamic fluoroscopy fails to answer the clinical questions. When done together in this setting, the two procedures are most cost effective than arthrography alone. Based on current costs, conservative treatment of carpal instability costs about $1,500, and surgical therapy costs about $4,000. Thus, fluoroscopy and arthrography may further reduce the cost of management of obscure wrist pain by identifying those patients who would not benefit from surgical exploration.

Arthrography↗

Accuracy of direct magnetic resonance arthrography in the diagnosis of triangular fibrocartilage complex tears of the wrist.

The aim of this study was to assess the value of direct magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography of the wrist for detecting full-thickness tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Twenty-four consecutive patients who had ulnar-sided wrist pain and clinical suspicion of TFCC tear were included in the study. All patients underwent direct MR arthrography and then wrist arthroscopy, and the results of MR arthrography were compared with the arthroscopic findings. The positive predictive value of MR arthrography in detecting TFCC full-thickness tear was 0.95, and the negative predictive value was 0.50. The sensitivity of MR arthrography in detecting a TFCC full-thickness tear was 74% (15/19), and specificity was 80% (4/5). The overall accuracy of MR arthrography in detecting a full-thickness tear of the TFCC in our study was 79% (19/24). We believe that diagnosis of tears in the TFCC by direct MR arthrography is not entirely satisfactory, although MR arthrography has a high positive predictive value for detecting TFCC tears. Negative results of MR arthrography in patients with clinical suspicion of TFCC tear should be interpreted with caution.

Adult↗

Anterior labroligamentous structures of the glenohumeral joint: correlation of MR arthrography and anatomic dissection in cadavers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish the accuracy of MR arthrography in depicting the morphology of the glenohumeral ligaments and the superior portion of the glenoid labrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Findings on MR arthrography and those derived from careful dissection of gross specimens were compared in 15 cadaver shoulders, focusing on the morphology and size of the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments and the morphology of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. The frequencies of sublabral recess and sublabral foramen seen on MR arthrography and at anatomic dissection were also compared. RESULTS: For the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments, moderate correlation of size was found between measurements made on MR arthrograms and at anatomic dissection, with the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient calculated as .69990 and .71133, respectively. Morphologic descriptions of the inferior glenohumeral ligament based on MR arthrography and on anatomic dissection also showed good association (Cohen's kappa = .8936). Dissection revealed that the sublabral recess was present in 11 specimens. Of these, 10 recesses were identified on MR arthrograms. MR arthrography also revealed a sublabral recess that was not found at dissection. Four sublabral foramina were identified by both MR arthrography and dissection, and two were revealed only by MR arthrography. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography is useful in the evaluation of the glenohumeral ligaments and the superior portion of the labrum. Anatomic variations of these anterior intraarticular structures can be accurately shown by MR arthrography. In addition, estimation of the size of glenohumeral ligaments can be achieved with acceptable accuracy on MR arthrograms.

Aged↗

[MRI arthrography--improved diagnosis of shoulder joint instability].

In a prospective study, we examined 34 patients with shoulder instabilities and 5 patients with unclear chronic shoulder pain (4 females, 35 males; 18-56 years of age, median 28 years) by CT arthrography and MRT arthrography from August 1994 through December 1995. No complications were seen when gadolinium-DPTA was applied intra-articularly. Twenty-three patients were followed up by operation and/or arthroscopy; 20 patients underwent a modified, open Bankart operation. In this paper, we present a new classification for damage of the anterior capsule and labrum. MRT arthrography showed better results in judging the anterior labrum and in determining the degree of damage to the labrum (sensitivity, specificity and accuracy 100%) in comparison with CT arthrography (sensitivity 90%, specificity 100%, accuracy 91%). Furthermore, MRT arthrography gave clearer results than CT arthrography regarding SLAP and cartilage lesions. Thus, MRT arthrography has proved to be a very exact method for diagnosing shoulder instabilities and is superior to CT arthrography in diagnostic accuracy.

Adolescent↗

Diagnostic and therapeutic impact of MRI and arthrography in the investigation of full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Investigation of shoulder pain is important before surgical treatment. The presence or absence of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear (FTRCT) may determine the type of surgical treatment. Both MRI and conventional arthrography can be used, but little is known about their relative diagnostic and therapeutic impact. We performed a prospective trial assessing: (a) the influence of MRI and arthrography results on the clinician's diagnostic thinking (diagnostic impact); (b) the influence of the results on the clinician's therapeutic thinking (therapeutic impact); and (c) the diagnostic performance of the two techniques in patients with surgical confirmation. A total of 104 consecutive patients with shoulder problems referred to a specialist orthopaedic shoulder clinic underwent pre-operative investigation with MRI and arthrography. The surgeon's diagnosis, diagnostic confidence and planned treatment were measured before the investigation, and then again after the results of each investigation. Before the presentation of the investigation, results, the patients were randomised into two groups. In one group MRI was presented first; in the other group, arthrography. The MRI results led to fewer changes in diagnostic category (14 of 46, 30%) than arthrography (20 of 54, 37%), but the difference was not significant (P > 0.5). Magnetic resonance imaging led to slightly more changes in planned management (17 of 47, 36%) than arthrography (14 of 55, 25%), but again the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.3). The results of the second investigation always had less diagnostic and therapeutic impact than the first. The accuracy of MRI for FTRCT in 38 patients with surgical confirmation was 79%, sensitivity 81% and specificity 78%; the accuracy of arthrography was 82%, sensitivity 50% and specificity 96%. The clinical diagnosis and management plan can be adequately defined by a single radiological investigation. Magnetic resonance imaging and arthrography had fairly similar diagnostic and therapeutic impact and comparable accuracy, although MRI was more sensitive and less specific. Magnetic resonance imaging may be the preferred investigation because of its better demonstration of soft tissue anatomy.

Adult↗

[Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arthrography of the acetabular labrum: comparison with surgical findings].

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in detecting acetabular labral lesions in correlation to surgical findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients (40 hips) with chronic hip pain and a strong clinical suspicion of labral lesions were examined with MRI in the coronal and axial plane by obtaining T1 weighted and proton density-weighted spin echo sequences. Additionally, MR arthrography of the hip joint in the coronal oblique and sagittal oblique plane was performed by obtaining T1-weighted three-dimensional gradientecho sequences after the intraarticular injection of gadopentate dimeglumine. The labra were prospectively evaluated on the basis of morphology, signal intensity, the presence or absence of a tear, and their attachment to the acetabulum. All patients underwent surgery, and the MRI findings and MR arthrography findings were compared with the surgical results. RESULTS: Surgically, 34 labral lesions, and 6 normal labra were detected. MRI correctly depicted labral lesions in 24 patients and two normal labra, and MR arthrography correctly depicted labral lesions in 30 patients and 5 normal labra compared with the surgical results. The sensitivity of MRI was 80%, the accuracy of MRI was 65%, the sensitivity of MR arthrography was 95%, and the accuracy of MR arthrography was 88%. CONCLUSIONS: MR arthrography enables considerably more accurate detection of acetabular labral lesions than MRI. MR arthrography should be the method of choice for the diagnosis of the presence or absence of acetabular labral lesions in patients with chronic hip pain and a strong clinical suspicion of labral lesions.

Acetabulum↗

[Direct MR arthrography of the wrist- value in detecting complete and partial defects of intrinsic ligaments and the TFCC in comparison with arthroscopy].

PURPOSE: To assess the value of two-compartment magnetic resonance (MR) wrist arthrography in comparison with diagnostic arthroscopy for the evaluation of defects of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and intrinsic ligaments in patients with refractory wrist pain. The direct MR arthrographies were evaluated following arthroscopic classification with consideration of complete and partial defects. The distinction between these types of lesions has clinical implications for treatment procedures such as cast immobilization, arthroscopic debridement, surgical repair or partial intercarpal arthrodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients (25 female, 50 males, mean age 38.3 years) who suffered from refractory wrist pain without radiography evidence of carpal instability underwent two-compartment wrist MR arthrography. Under aseptic conditions a solution of gadopentate dimeglumine and iodinated contrast agent (concentration 2.5 mmol/l) was injected into the radiocarpal and midcarpal joints under fluoroscopy guidance. Using a scanner of 1.5 T field strength and a wrist-coil following sequences were acquired: coronary and sagittal T (1)-weighted spin-echo (SE) sequences (TR 500 ms, TE 25 ms, matrix 512 x 512.3 mm) and coronary fast low angle shot (FLASH) 3D sequences (TR 24 ms, TE 11 ms, matrix 256 x 256, 1.5 mm, flip angle 50 degrees). All patients underwent subsequent arthroscopy of the wrist. The direct MR arthrographies were evaluated retrospectively by two observers experienced in the diagnosis of wrist pathology. They were not aware of the clinicial, arthrographic and arthroscopic findings. Pathology of the scapholunate ligament was classified according to the guidelines of the German Society of Hand Surgery (DGH), lesions of the lunotriquetral ligament according to Hempfling and lesions of the TFCC according to Palmer. RESULTS: Twenty-five complete and 47 partial defects were detected arthroscopically (TFCC: 21/20, scapholunate ligament: 3/18, lunotriquetral ligament: 1/9). The TFCC showed a higher prevalence for degenerative lesions (11 type 2C-lesions and 20 type 2A/B lesions) than for traumatic lesions (5 type 1A lesions, 5 type 1D lesions). For direct MR arthrography, the obtained sensitivities and specificities in assessing complete defects were 96 % and 99.6 % (T (1)-weighted SE) and 92 % and 100 % (FLASH 3D), respectively. For all partial defects, sensitivities and specificities were 68.1 % and 93.3 % (T (1)-weighted SE) and 63 % and 96.1 % (FLASH 3D), respectively. For depicting partial defects of the scapholunate ligament the T (1)-weighted SE sequence (83.3/95.5 %) was superior to the FLASH 3D sequence (64.7/96.6 %), p < 0.05. For the evaluation of the TFCC (T (1)-weighted SE: 65/94.4 %, FLASH 3D: 70/94.6 %) and the lunotriquetral ligament (T (1)-weighted SE: 44/89.4 %, FLASH 3D: 44 /96.7 %), direct MR arthrography showed an insufficient correlation with arthroscopy. CONCLUSION: Direct MR arthrography proved to be of equal value compared with diagnostic arthroscopy in detecting complete defects of the intrinsic ligaments and the TFCC. The method has the potential of replacing diagnostic arthroscopy for the evaluation of the intrinsic ligaments and the TFCC. The T (1)-weighted SE sequence appeared to be superior to the FLASH 3D sequence in evaluating partial defects of the scapholunate ligament. Direct MR arthrography did not reliably detect partial defects of the TFCC and the lunotriquetral ligament.

Adult↗

Arthrography of the equine shoulder joint.

Techniques and normal radiographic anatomy for positive and double contrast shoulder arthrography in horses were evaluated. General anaesthesia was used for most radiographic projections of the shoulder. The mediolateral projection provided the most information during arthrography, although the supinated mediolateral view occasionally allowed better definition of the cartilage surfaces on the medial aspects of the humeral head. The craniocaudal mediolateral oblique and caudocranial projections provided limited additional information. Water soluble non-ionic contrast agents, such as metrizamide and iohexol, were suitable for shoulder arthrography; iohexol resulted in less synovitis and lameness. Arthrography in cases of osteochondrosis and osteochondritis dissecans allowed better evaluation of cartilage attachment to subchondral bone, better evaluation of the length and depth of cartilage lesions and more accurately defined the site and shape of osteocartilaginous free bodies. Cartilage thickening without detachment from the subchondral bone could only be determined by arthrography. Although these thick cartilage regions may later dissect from the subchondral bone, most cases where the cartilage was firmly adherent were not candidates for surgical debridement and carried a favourable prognosis. The determination of a free flap by arthrography indicated the need for surgery. Extensive humeral and glenoid cavity lesions were better defined by arthrography, allowing a rational decision between surgical debridement or euthanasia. Using arthrography, evaluation of the size and patency of the communicating canal to a subchondral cystic defect better separated cases with long, narrow and poorly patent canals for conservative rather than surgical therapy.

Anesthesia, General↗

Patient's assessment of discomfort during MR arthrography of the shoulder.

PURPOSE: To assess patient discomfort during (a) intraarticular contrast material injection (arthrography) and (b) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients referred for MR arthrography of the shoulder and to compare the relative discomfort associated with each part of the examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With use of a visual analogue scale (VAS) and relative ratings, 202 consecutive patients referred for MR arthrography of the shoulder rated the expected discomfort and that actually experienced during both arthrography and MR imaging. The Student t test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The average VAS score (0 = "did not feel anything," 100 = "unbearable") was 16.1 +/- 16.4 (SD) for arthrography and 20.2 +/- 25.0 for MR imaging. This difference was statistically significant (P =.036, paired t test). The discomfort experienced during arthrography was as expected in 90 (44.6%) patients, less than expected in 110 (54.4%), and worse than expected in two (1.0%). MR imaging-related discomfort was as expected in 114 (56.4%) patients, less than expected in 66 (32.7%), and worse in 22 (10.9%). Arthrography was rated worse than MR imaging by 53 (26.2%) patients, equal to MR imaging by 69 (34.2%), and less uncomfortable than MR imaging by 80 (39.6%). CONCLUSION: Arthrography-related discomfort was well tolerated, often less severe than anticipated, and rated less severe than MR imaging-related discomfort.

Adolescent↗

Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesions: diagnosis with MR arthrography of the shoulder.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in the diagnosis of superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions of the shoulder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1995 to June 1998, MR arthrography of the shoulder was performed in 159 patients with a history of chronic shoulder pain or instability. Fifty-two patients underwent arthroscopy or open surgery 12 days to 5 months after MR arthrography. Diagnostic criteria for SLAP lesion included marked fraying of the articular aspect of the labrum, biceps anchor avulsion, inferiorly displaced bucket handle fragment, and extension of the tear into the biceps tendon fibers. Surgical findings were correlated with those from MR arthrography. RESULTS: SLAP injuries were diagnosed at surgery in 19 of the 52 patients (37%). Six of the 19 lesions (32%) were classified as type I, nine (47%) as type II, one (5%) as type III, and three (16%) as type IV. MR arthrography had a sensitivity of 89% (17 of 19 patients), a specificity of 91% (30 of 33 patients), and an accuracy of 90% (47 of 52 patients). The MR arthrographic classification showed correlation with the arthroscopic or surgical classification in 13 of 17 patients (76%) in whom SLAP lesions were diagnosed at MR arthrography. CONCLUSION: MR arthrography is a useful and accurate technique in the diagnosis of SLAP lesions of the shoulder. MR arthrography provides pertinent preoperative information with regard to the exact location of tears and grade of involvement of the biceps tendon.

Adult↗

[Diagnostic value of arthrography and MRI in rotator cuff tears].

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare arthrography with MRI to determine the sensitivity and specificity in detecting rotator cuff tear. METHODS: 53 shoulders were studied. All patients underwent both arthrography and MRI. The results were compared with the findings of arthroscopy or open surgery. RESULTS: The sensitivity in demonstrating partial-thickness tears was 70% for arthrography and 80% for MRI; the specificity was 75% for arthrography or MRI. The sensitivity in detecting full-thickness tears was 87% for arthrography and 90% for MRI, and the specificity was 100% for arthrography and 75% for MRI. CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of arthrography and MRI in detecting rotator cuff tears was identical. The specificity of arthrography in detecting full-thickness tears was higher that of MRI.

Adult↗

Direct MR arthrography of plica synovialis mediopatellaris.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of direct MR arthrography for diagnosing plica synovialis mediopatellaris (PSM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two knees of 19 patients were examined by direct MR arthrography. In 19 of those knees, field-echo T2*-weighted transaxial images were obtained with intra-articular administration of 40 ml of saline ("direct MR arthrography"). In the other 3 knees, T1-weighted transaxial images were obtained with intra-articular administration of 40 ml of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Conventional MR images were evaluated prior to direct MR arthrography in 12 of the 22 knees. The results of direct MR arthrography and conventional MR imaging were compared with the arthroscopic findings. RESULTS: Direct MR arthrography demonstrated 17 of 19 PSMs proved on arthroscopy. The features of 16 PSMs on direct MR arthrography corresponded accurately with the arthroscopic classification. Conventional MR demonstrated only 3 plicae. CONCLUSION: Direct MR arthrography enabled accurate diagnosis of PSMs and could replace diagnostic arthroscopy.

Adolescent↗