MR arthrography in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: diagnostic performance and pitfalls

ZTE MRI improves detection of calcific deposits and differentiation between resorptive and formative phases in calcific tendinitis of shoulder

The purpose of study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of the ZTE sequence of shoulder MRI in patients with calcific tendinitis by comparing conventional sequences. Seventy-nine patients (43 patients with calcific tendinitis and 36 control group) who underwent both radiography and MRI including ZTE sequence were enrolled in our study. Two radiologists assessed the SNR, image quality, presence, size, multiplicity, shape, margin, signal intensity, composition, and location of calcific deposits on ZTE image, FSPDWI, and T2WI. The diagnostic performance was calculated with radiography as the standard of reference. The inter-reader agreement and differentiation of the resorptive phase and formative phase on ZTE were compared to that on FSPDWI and T2WI. A total 59 calcific deposits in 43 patients were found on radiography and classified into type 1 resorptive phases (n = 20) and type 2 formative phases (n = 39). ZTE image quality was for diagnostic use with substantial inter-reader agreement. Sensitivity and detection rate of ZTE image was better than those of FSPDWI and T2WI. The inter-reader agreement of ZTE image was equal to FSPDWI and better than T2WI. The features of calcific deposits on ZTE images were significantly different between two phases. In the resorptive phase, a greater percentage of calcific deposits showed irregular shapes, ill-defined margin, heterogeneous compositions on ZTE images. In conclusion, ZTE sequence may provide useful information for the diagnosis of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder.

Updates in Deposition Arthritis Other Than Gout

This article focuses on updates in calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) and basic calcium phosphate deposition (BCPD), highlighting recent advances in imaging and the understanding of these conditions. It explores their clinical presentations, crystal formation mechanisms, and diagnostic challenges. CPPD and BCPD are often underrecognized causes of arthritis, and recent imaging diagnostic criteria are presented.

Nonsurgical removal of a massive calcification of the shoulder

Calcific tendinopathy of the shoulder is a prevalent and painful condition marked by calcific deposits in the rotator cuff tendons or subacromial bursa, with an incidence of 2.7% to 20%, predominantly affecting individuals aged 30 to 50. Women are 1.5 times more likely to be affected than men. Deposits are frequently bilateral in 10%-20% of cases and most commonly found in the supraspinatus tendon. The pathogenesis remains unclear, with theories suggesting repetitive strain or ischemic degeneration leading to calcium deposition. The disease progresses through precalcific, calcific, and postcalcific phases, with symptoms ranging from mild pain to severe, disabling pain resistant to medication. Diagnosis primarily involves radiographs or CT scans, with ultrasound aiding in deposit staging. Conservative treatments include medication, physiotherapy, and subacromial corticosteroid injections. Novel nonsurgical treatments like ultrasound-guided needling (UGN) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) have shown promise. When conservative measures fail, surgical options achieve significant improvement. This case report details a 53-year-old woman with a 12 cm calcification treated successfully with UGN, demonstrating the efficacy of this minimally invasive technique for large deposits.

Systematic literature review to inform the EULAR recommendations for the use of imaging in crystal-induced arthropathies in clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

To summarise current data regarding the use of imaging in crystal-induced arthropathies (CiAs) informing a European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology task force.

METHODS

We performed four systematic searches in Embase, Medline and Central on imaging for diagnosis, monitoring, prediction of disease severity/treatment response, guiding procedures and patient education in gout, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition (CPPD) and basic calcium phosphate deposition (BCPD). Records were screened, manuscripts reviewed and data of the included studies extracted. The risk of bias was assessed by validated instruments.

RESULTS

For gout, 88 studies were included. Diagnostic studies reported good to excellent sensitivity and specificity of dual-energy CT (DECT) and ultrasound (US), high specificity and lower sensitivity for conventional radiographs (CR) and CT. Longitudinal studies demonstrated sensitivity to change with regard to crystal deposition by US and DECT and inflammation by US and structural progression by CR and CT. For CPPD, 50 studies were included. Diagnostic studies on CR and US showed high specificity and variable sensitivity. There was a single study on monitoring, while nine assessed the prediction in CPPD. For BCPD, 56 studies were included. There were two diagnostic studies, while monitoring by CR and US was assessed in 43 studies, showing a reduction in crystal deposition. A total of 12 studies with inconsistent results assessed the prediction of treatment response. The search on patient education retrieved two studies, suggesting a potential role of DECT.

CONCLUSION

This SLR confirmed a relevant and increasing role of imaging in the field of CiAs.

Imaging of calcific tendinopathy: natural history, migration patterns, pitfalls, and management: a review

Calcific tendinopathy is characterized by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in various tendons of the body. Terms like calcium tendinitis, tendinosis, and tendinopathy are used interchangeably. Calcific tendinopathy is a common and well-documented ailment in the literature. Although common, the natural history, aetiology, and progression of calcific tendinitis are poorly understood. The treatment options include conservative and interventional measures. However, these measures cannot be applied as a blanket and are often tailored depending on the stage/phase of the disease. Out of the recognized stages of the disease, the resorptive stage causes the utmost symptoms when the calcium is rather soft and unstable. During this stage, the calcium may migrate beyond expected resorption and get deposited in the adjacent tissues contiguous with the calcium focus. The common destinations include bursal migration, intraosseous migration, muscular migration, and other less common migration sites. Such atypical presentations can lead to dilemmas in the diagnosis, prolongation of the diagnostic pathway, unwarranted apprehension, and treatment delay. Radiologists' role in this situation is to correctly recognize the imaging findings of atypical presentations of calcific tendinopathy and prevent unnecessary diagnostic and interventional studies. In this review article, we describe the pathogenic pathway and natural history of calcific tendinopathy from a radiologist's perspective and discuss different migratory patterns of calcium in calcific tendinopathy not only around the shoulder but also in other areas of the body on different imaging modalities. We also show a few examples of mimics and pitfalls on imaging. Finally, we discuss the appropriate management option of this condition.

MRI in shoulder arthropathies: A short review

Arthropathies are a frequent cause of shoulder pain and comprise of a wide range of clinical entities that may pose a diagnostic challenge. Though history and clinical examination remain vital, imaging plays a pivotal role in accurate diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains an invaluable tool for imaging evaluation of shoulder involvement by various arthropathies. With attention to characteristic imaging features, radiologist may be able to differentiate between various disease processes affecting the shoulder joint. In this article, we have provided a brief review of common and uncommon MRI manifestations of various arthropathies affecting the shoulder joint.

Calcific Peritendinitis in the Gluteus Maximus Tendon

BACKGROUND

Calcific tendinitis is classically a painful condition that most commonly affects the rotator cuff, but may infrequently involve other tendons.

CASE REPORT

We discuss a 57-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with a 4-day history of right hip pain, described as the "worst pain in (his) life." The pain was first noticed at night and had progressively worsened. History, physical examination, and initial laboratory workup indicated an inflammatory vs. infectious process. Continued investigations with imaging techniques revealed the source of pain as calcific tendinitis involving the gluteus maximus tendon. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Symptoms of musculoskeletal pain in the emergency department are ubiquitous. In the proper clinical context, the diagnosis of calcific tendinitis, although uncommon, should be considered once emergent conditions are ruled out. Proper imaging techniques will facilitate accurate diagnosis, expedited pain management, and proper outpatient follow-up.

Zero echo time MRI in shoulder MRI protocols for the diagnosis of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy improves identification of calcific deposits compared to conventional MR sequences but remains sub-optimal compared to radiographs

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic performance of standard MRI and standard MRI + ZTE images for the detection of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) and to describe the artifacts encountered with ZTE images, using computed radiography (CR) as a reference.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, patients with suspicion of rotator cuff tendinopathy who underwent standard MRI + ZTE images after radiography were enrolled between June 2021 and June 2022. Images were independently analyzed for calcific deposit presence and ZTE images artifacts, by two radiologists. Diagnostic performance was calculated individually with MRI + CR as the reference standard.

RESULTS

A total of 46 RCCT subjects (27 women; mean age, 55.3 years ± 12.4) and 51 control subjects (27 men; mean age, 45.5 ± 12.9) were evaluated. For both readers, there was an increase in the sensitivity for the identification of calcific deposits of MRI + ZTE compared to MRI (77% (95% CI: 64.5-86.8) and 75.4% (95% CI: 62.7-85.5) versus 57.4% (95% IC: 44.1-70) and 47.5% (95% IC: 34.6-60.7), for R1 and R2, respectively). Specificity was quite similar for both readers and both imaging techniques and ranged from 96.6% (95% IC: 93.3-98.5) to 98.7% (95% IC: 96.3-99.7). Hyperintense joint fluid (62.8% of patients), long head of the biceps tendon (in 60.8%), and subacromial bursa (in 27.8%) on ZTE were considered artifactual.

CONCLUSION

The addition of ZTE images to a standard MRI protocol improved MRI diagnostic performance of RCCT, but with a suboptimal detection rate and a relatively high frequency of artifactual soft tissue signal hyperintensity.

KEY POINTS

• Adding ZTE images to standard shoulder MRI improves the MR-based detection of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, but half of the calcification unseen with standard MRI remained unseen with ZTE MRI. On ZTE images, joint fluid and long head biceps tendon were hyperintense in about 60% of the shoulders, as well as the subacromial bursa in about 30%, without calcific deposit on conventional radiographs. • The detection rate of calcific deposits using ZTE images was dependent on the disease phase. In the calcific stage, it reached 100% in this study but remained at a maximum of 80.7% in the resorptive phase.

Hydroxyapatite Deposition Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogenesis, Radiological Findings, and Treatment Strategies

Hydroxyapatite deposition disease (HADD) represents a multifaceted condition characterized by the accumulation of hydroxyapatite crystals in soft tissues, leading to subsequent inflammation and discomfort. The intricate etiology of HADD is the subject of this comprehensive review, which encompasses an in-depth analysis of the four proposed pathogenic mechanisms and a deliberation on the predisposing factors that instigate the development of this disease. In order to provide a thorough understanding of the disease's progression, this manuscript delineates the stages of HADD-those preceding calcification, occurring during calcification, and following calcification-in meticulous detail. This chronology forms the basis of a complete portrayal of the evolution of HADD. Moreover, this review encompasses an examination of the radiological findings associated with HADD, furnishing an extensive discourse on imaging characteristics. The potential of HADD to mimic other diseases, thereby posing diagnostic challenges, is also articulated. The discourse continues with an investigation of HADD's differential diagnosis. This section furnishes a robust framework for distinguishing HADD from other conditions based on imaging results. To enrich the understanding of this diagnostic process, case studies illustrating real-world applications are provided. An overview of treatment modalities for HADD, including both conservative and interventional approaches, forms the concluding discussion. The pivotal role of imaging specialists in the diagnosis and management of HADD is emphasized, highlighting their vital contribution to image-guided procedures and disease monitoring.

Periarticular calcifications

Periarticular calcification and ossification is a frequent finding on imaging and may sometimes pose a diagnostic challenge. The differential diagnoses for this radiological finding are wide and can be classified into broad groups such as idiopathic, developmental, trauma, burns, infection, tumor, connective tissue disease, crystalline, metabolic, vascular, and foreign bodies. With careful consideration of the clinical and imaging findings as well as awareness of mimickers of periarticular mineralization, the list of differential diagnoses can be narrowed down. This article aims to review the clinical-radiologic findings of periarticular calcified or ossified lesions with relevant imaging illustrations.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of rotator cuff calcific tendinosis. What radiologist should know

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy is a common condition caused by the presence of calcification into the rotator cuff or in the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa. The pathogenetic mechanism of this pathology is still debated. Calcific tendinitis frequently affects the rotator cuff and may cause shoulder pain and reduction of range of motion. It can be diagnosed with conventional radiography, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging. The first therapeutic option includes conservative management based on rest, physical therapy, and oral non-steroid anti-inflammatory administration. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a noninvasive technique that can be useful for the fragmentation of calcific deposits. Imaging-guided percutaneous irrigation is currently considered the gold standard technique for the treatment of calcific tendinitis due to its minimal invasiveness and its success rate of about 80%.

Clinical evaluation and management of calcific tendinopathy: an evidence-based review

Calcific tendinopathy (CT) is an important musculoskeletal condition most commonly seen in the shoulder girdle, accounting for 10-42% of all shoulder pain. Despite the high prevalence within the shoulder region, CT has been demonstrated in many tendons throughout the axial and appendicular skeleton. Unlike degenerative tendinopathies, CT appears to be a self-limiting condition that affects otherwise-healthy tendon with deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals between healthy tenocytes. In patients with functionally limiting symptoms or pain, the clinical course may be accelerated through a multitude of treatments including physical therapy and pain management, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, ultrasound-guided percutaneous lavage (UGPL), and operative debridement. Currently, the most efficacious and frequently utilized treatment for shoulder CT is UGPL due to its ability to effectively reduce calcium burden and pain while limiting soft-tissue damage. However, more evidence regarding the treatment and course of CT is needed before determining the most appropriate treatment at all potential sites of CT.

Sonographic evaluation of the association between calcific tendinopathy and rotator cuff tear: a case-controlled comparison

OBJECTIVES

To compare the incidence of rotator cuff (RC) tears on shoulder ultrasounds of patients with RC calcific tendinopathy (CaT) to that of a control group without CaT.

METHOD

In this retrospective case-control study, 50 shoulder ultrasounds of patients with CaT were compared independently by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists to 50 patients from a control group without CaT to catalog the number and type of RC tears. RC tears in the CaT group were further characterized based on location, into tears in the specific tendon(s) containing calcium versus all tendon tears.

RESULTS

RC tears were diagnosed in 38% (19/50) of the control group (16 full-thickness) as compared to 22% (11/50) with CaT (6 full-thickness). The fewer full-thickness tears in the CaT group (12%, 6 of 50) compared to that in the control group (32%, 16 of 50) was statistically significant (P = 0.016, odds ratio 0.29). Only 7 of the 11 tears in the CaT group were in a calcium-containing tendon (3 full-thickness). The fewer calcium-containing tendon tears compared to tears in the control group was also statistically significant (P = 0.006, odds ratio 0.27). Furthermore, the fewer full-thickness calcium-containing tendon tears (6%, 3/50) compared to full-thickness tears in the control group (32%, 16/50) were yet more statistically significant (P = 0.001, odds ratio 0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with shoulder pain and CaT, we observed a decreased number of RC tears and especially calcium-containing tendon tears, as compared to similar demographic patients with shoulder pain but without CaT. Key Points • Patients with rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy have few rotator cuff tears, especially full-thickness tears, compared to a control group without calcific tendinopathy. • The tendons containing the calcium hydroxyapatite deposition were the least likely to have a rotator cuff tear. • Future studies could evaluate if calcium hydroxyapatite deposition provides a protective mechanism against rotator cuff tears. • Musculoskeletal ultrasound is more sensitive than MRI in the evaluation of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy.

Imaging of calcific tendinopathy around the shoulder: usual and unusual presentations and common pitfalls

Rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT) is a very common condition, characterized by calcium deposition over fibrocartilaginous metaplasia of tenocytes, mainly occurring in the supraspinatus tendon. RCCT has a typical imaging presentation: in most cases, calcific deposits appear as a dense opacity around the humeral head on conventional radiography, as hyperechoic foci with or without acoustic shadow at ultrasound and as a signal void at magnetic resonance imaging. However, radiologists have to keep in mind the possible unusual presentations of RCCT and the key imaging features to correctly differentiate RCCT from other RC conditions, such as calcific enthesopathy or RC tears. Other presentations of RCCT to be considered are intrabursal, intraosseous, and intramuscular migration of calcific deposits that may mimic infectious processes or malignancies. While intrabursal and intraosseous migration are quite common, intramuscular migration is an unusual evolution of RCCT. It is important also to know atypical regions affected by calcific tendinopathy as biceps brachii, pectoralis major, and deltoid tendons. Unusual presentations of RCCT may lead to diagnostic challenge and mistakes. The aim of this review is to illustrate the usual and unusual imaging findings of RCCT that radiologists should know to reach the correct diagnosis and to exclude other entities with the purpose of preventing further unnecessary imaging examinations or interventional procedures.

Calcium hydroxyapatite deposition disease: Imaging features and presentations mimicking other pathologies

OBJECTIVE

Calcium hydroxyapatite depositional disease (HADD) is usually asymptomatic and self-limiting; however, when there is an associated inflammatory process or HADD occurs in an unusual location, it may mimic trauma, infection, or neoplasm. The purpose of this article is to review the imaging features of HADD and how to distinguish it from more worrisome entities that can have similar appearances.

CONCLUSION

An understanding of the presentations of HADD is important to allow early and confident diagnosis. In particular, familiarity with presentations that resemble more ominous pathologies is essential to avoid costly and time-consuming workup or intervention.

Ultrasound Appearance of the Migration of Tendon Calcifications

Calcific tendinopathy (CTe) is a frequent disorder related to the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals within tendons. Ultrasound has been shown to be an excellent imaging modality for the evaluation of CTe. During the resorptive phase of CTe, calcium deposits may migrate inside the tendons or in neighboring tissues and lead to local inflammation and severe pain. In this pictorial essay, we describe the ultrasound appearance of a spectrum of CTe migrations. Knowledge of the different migration patterns can help sonologists in their detection and in establishing the correct diagnosis.

Idiopathic heterotopic ossification of bilateral subscapularis tendons: illustration of a rare entity and a concise literature review

Ossification of the subscapularis tendon is an extremely uncommon, poorly described lesion with little known about its etiopathogenesis and clinical significance. To the best of our knowledge, only three cases of this entity have been reported till now, which were all unilateral. The authors present first case of ossification of bilateral subscapularis tendons in a 57-year-old male and hope that with increase in the number of reported cases, proper guidelines for management of such cases can be formulated.

Imaging in Gout and Other Crystal-Related Arthropathies

In this article, the authors consider the manifestations of intraarticular and periarticular crystal deposits. Most cases of crystal deposits are asymptomatic and represent incidental findings at imaging. In symptomatic arthropathies, imaging can play an important role in the diagnosis and assessment of disease progression and the extent of crystal deposits. Conventional radiography is the most common imaging modality. But ultrasound, conventional computerized tomography (CT), dual-energy CT, and MRI play an increasing role. The authors review typical radiographic features of crystal-induced arthropathies and findings that help to differentiate them. The authors also emphasize the increasing role of complementary imaging techniques.

Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff: state of the art in diagnosis and treatment

Calcific tendinitis is a painful shoulder disorder characterised by either single or multiple deposits in the rotator cuff tendon. Although the disease subsides spontaneously in most cases, a subpopulation of patients continue to complain of pain and shoulder dysfunction and the deposits do not show any signs of resolution. Although several treatment options have been proposed, clinical results are controversial and often the indication for a given therapy remains a matter of clinician choice. Herein, we report on the current state of the art in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff.

Rotator cuff disorders: How to write a surgically relevant magnetic resonance imaging report?

Evaluation of rotator cuff is a common indication for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning of the shoulder. Conventional MRI is the most commonly used technique, while magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography is reserved for certain cases. Rotator cuff disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of internal and external mechanisms. A well-structured MRI report should comment on the relevant anatomic structures including the acromial type and orientation, the presence of os acromiale, acromio-clavicular degenerative spurs and fluid in the subacromial subdeltoid bursa. In addition, specific injuries of the rotator cuff tendons and the condition of the long head of biceps should be accurately reported. The size and extent of tendon tears, tendon retraction and fatty degeneration or atrophy of the muscles are all essential components of a surgically relevant MRI report.

The structural consequences of calcium crystal deposition

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate and basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals are the most common calcium-containing crystals associated with rheumatic disease. Clinical manifestations of calcium crystal deposition include acute or chronic inflammatory and degenerative arthritides and certain forms of periarthritis. The intra-articular presence of BCP crystals correlates with the degree of radiographic degeneration. Calcium crystal deposition contributes directly to joint degeneration. Vascular calcification is caused by the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in the arterial intima. These deposits may contribute to local inflammation and promote further calcification, thus aggravating the atherosclerotic process. Calcium crystal deposition results in substantial structural consequence in humans.

The primer for sports medicine professionals on imaging: the shoulder

Because of its inherent superior soft tissue contrast and lack of ionizing radiation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is highly suited to study the complex anatomy of the shoulder joint, particularly when assessing the relatively high incidence of shoulder injuries in young, athletic patients. This review aims to serve as a primer for understanding shoulder MRI in an algorithmical approach, including MRI protocol and technique, normal anatomy and anatomical variations of the shoulder, pathologic conditions of the rotator cuff tendons and muscles, the long head of the biceps tendon, shoulder impingement, labral and glenohumeral ligament pathology, MR findings in shoulder instability, adhesive capsulitis, and osteoarthritis.

Rotator cuff preservation in arthroscopic treatment of calcific tendinitis

PURPOSE

We sought to evaluate (1) clinical and radiologic results after arthroscopic calcific deposit (CD) removal and (2) the relevance of remnant calcifications (RCs).

METHODS

The study included 102 patients undergoing arthroscopic CD removal, preserving integrity of the rotator cuff. Postoperatively, we divided patients into 2 groups according to the extent of CD removal achieved. Group 1 consisted of patients with complete CD removal. Group 2 included patients showing minor RCs. Ninety-three patients (99 shoulders) completed follow-up. The mean patient age was 50.6 years (31 to 68 years), and the mean follow-up period was 37.3 months (24 to 83 months). We obtained anteroposterior (AP) and outlet radiographs before surgery, postoperatively, and at follow-up. We used the absolute and age- and sex-related Constant scores (CSabs, CSrel) as outcome measures. We compared both groups statistically (Mann-Whitney U test; P < .05).

RESULTS

Complete CD removal was achieved in 82 of 99 (82.8%) shoulders (group 1). Postoperatively, minor RCs were found in 17 of 99 (17.2%) shoulders (group 2), an average of 58.6% (± 26.2) of the mean preoperative size. All RCs showed complete (14 of 17) or virtually complete (3 of 17) resolution at follow-up. Overall mean CSabs and CSrel were 88.8 points (± 10.4) and 99.0% (± 3.7), respectively. Mean values of CSabs and CSrel in group 1 (89.5 points ± 9.5 and 99.1% ± 3.7, respectively) and group 2 (86.1 points ± 12.9 and 98.7% ± 4.2, respectively) did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic CD removal, preserving integrity of the rotator cuff yielded good to excellent results in 90% of patients and avoided iatrogenic tendon defects in all patients. Minor RCs did not impair clinical outcome and spontaneously resolved at follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Magnetic resonance imaging of shoulder arthropathies

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating shoulder arthropathies is evolving. This article reviews 4 of the major arthropathies: septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease, and hydroxyapatite disease (HAD), with special attention to their magnetic resonance imaging features. Comfort with identifying these entities allows appropriate and prompt treatment, which is critical for joint preservation in the case of infection, for maximal therapeutic efficacy of disease-modifying drugs in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, and for expediting symptomatic relief in the cases of CPPD deposition disease and HAD.

Current imaging of the rotator cuff

Rotator cuff pathology is a common cause of shoulder pain, and imaging plays a major role in the management of shoulder problems. General radiography may be useful as an initial screening test particularly in trauma and arthritis. Musculoskeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are the most suitable modalities for the investigation of the rotator cuff, having high sensitivities and specificities for full-thickness tears. Musculoskeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are less accurate in the detection of partial-thickness tears with greater observer variability. This article reviews the normal and pathologic imaging features of the rotator cuff and highlights the potential usefulness and limitations of various imaging modalities in the assessment of the tendon and the potential impact of imaging findings on clinical patient care.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided treatment of shoulder tendon calcifications: Clinical and radiological follow-up at 6 months()

INTRODUCTION

Calcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a common condition characterized by chronic pain and/or very painful acute episodes. Different treatments are used during painful flare-up, but they are often ineffective. US-guided percutaneous needle aspiration/lavage is proving to be an effective means for eliminating these calcifications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We treated 123 consecutive patients (mean age 48 years) with calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Fifty-five patients had persistent symptoms requiring 2 or more treatments with lavage and intrabursal steroid infiltration. Before and after treatment, US studies were done independently by 2 radiologists with experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound. Results were concordant in over 90% of the cases. Constant Shoulder Scores were calculated before and 6 months after treatment. At 6 months, MRI was performed to identify impingement and/or bursitis.

RESULTS

Post-treatment Constant scores were significantly improved in all 68 patients treated once (Group 1: mean scores 28.6 vs. 81.4) and in 52 of the 55 treated twice or more (Group 2: mean scores 34.1 vs. 71.1) (p < 0.0001 in both cases). Pretreatment Constant scores were similar in patients with and without shoulder impingement on MRI (31.2 vs. 30.9, respectively), but after treatment the impingement group's scores were significantly higher (82.2 vs. 73.3, respectively; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided percutaneous needle aspiration/lavage is an effective and economic treatment for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Pretreatment MRI should be done to check for impingement since it is often associated with an incomplete response to the first treatment.

Calcific tendinitis: a pictorial review

Calcific tendinitis is caused by the pathologic deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in tendons and is a common cause of joint pain. The disease typically affects the shoulder and hip, with characteristic imaging findings; however, any joint can be involved. Occasionally, calcific tendinitis can mimic aggressive disorders, such as infection and neoplasm, especially on magnetic resonance imaging. Radiologists should be familiar with the imaging findings to distinguish calcific tendinitis from more aggressive processes. Image-guided percutaneous needle aspiration and steroid injection of calcific tendinitis are useful techniques performed by the radiologist for the treatment of symptomatic cases. Familiarity with these procedures and their imaging appearance is an important aspect in the management of this common disease.

Clinical update: MR imaging of the shoulder

Magnetic resonance imaging has become an important diagnostic adjunct in the evaluation of shoulder conditions, and the technology continues to evolve. Direct magnetic resonance arthrography can improve detection of labral and rotator cuff pathology, especially partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff. Special positioning, such as abducted-externally rotated views, improves visualization of the rotator cuff and posterior superior labrum in throwing athletes. Diagnosis-specific sequencing such as fat suppression, spin-echo and proton-density techniques, and higher power magnets (3.0 T) allow for an unprecedented level of soft tissue detail. Clinical expertize is required to differentiate between normal anatomic variants, incidental findings, and true pathology. Although magnetic resonance imaging findings may be diagnostic in some cases, clinical correlation with history and physical examination findings is critical.

[Shoulder calcifying tendinitis]

Calcifying tendinitis is a frequent shoulder disease but the surgical treatment is still debatable. The authors of this symposium reviewed retrospectively 450 patients treated by arthroscopal excision for calcifying tendinitis. Imaging were used to assess the cuff status in every case. The minimum follow-up was five years except for subscapularis and infraspinatus calcification (minimum two years). At the same time, we led a prospective study evaluating the prevalence of the calcifications on 1276 asymptomatic shoulders. The prevalence of rotator cuff calcification was 7.3%, with a female predominance specially in the operated group. Calcifications have been found as well in patients more than 70 years old. The inter- and intraobserver agreement for the A-B-C classification was poor, specially to differentiate the type A and B calcifications. The long-term follow-up allows to prove that the calcifying tendinitis is temporary without any relation with rotator cuff rupture. Recurrence of the calcific deposit after complete disappearance was never observed and the rate of full thickness tears was 3.9% at an average of nine years follow-up (mean age 56 years). These findings allowed to conclude than cuff suture after removing the deposit is not mandatory. However, the preoperative cuff status had a significant influence on the functional results at follow-up. Preoperative associated partial tear of the cuff or a preoperative positive Jobe test affected significantly the results and increased the rate of full thickness tear at follow-up. The subscapularis calcifications were rare (6% of the calcifications) and were associated with further deposit on the cuff. Infraspinatus calcifications were more frequent (20%), mostly associated to over tendons calcifications. The arthroscopic treatment obtained good results independently from the calcification location but the surgical approach should be adapted. Functional results were lower after removing a type C calcification. Acromioplasty improved the results when the calcification was associated with an aggressive acromion or a partial cuff tear.