Comparisons of the various partial-thickness rotator cuff tears on MR arthrography and arthroscopic correlation

The value of combined ultrasound contrast arthrography and subacromial-subdeltoid bursography for detecting and differentiating the rotator cuff tear subtypes in patients with the uncertain rotator cuff tear

OBJECTIVES

In this study, ultrasound (US) contrast arthrography and subacromial-subdeltoid bursography with the contrast agent of SonoVue were performed to evaluate their value for detecting and differentiating the rotator cuff tear (RCT) subtypes in patients with the uncertain RCT.

METHODS

A total of 102 patients with the clinically suspected RCTs in the orthopedic clinic were prospectively recruited and underwent conventional high-frequency US for the category of undoubted full-thickness RCT, uncertain RCT, and intact rotator cuff. Among these patients, the patients with uncertain RCT underwent the subsequent US contrast arthrography and subacromial-subdeltoid bursography. The arthroscopic findings were used as the gold standard in this study.

RESULTS

After the conventional US screening, 62 patients with uncertain RCT underwent the subsequent US contrast arthrography and subacromial-subdeltoid bursography. All the US contrast arthrography and subacromial-subdeltoid bursography were successfully performed and no severe side effects were observed in all the patients. For full-thickness tears, the sensitivity and specificity of the combined US contrast arthrography and subacromial-subdeltoid bursography were 94.7% (CI: 0.72-1.0) and 81.4% (CI: 0.66-0.91), respectively, and for articular-side tears 100% (CI: 0.51-1) and 100% (CI: 0.92-1), respectively, and for the bursal-side tears 84.6% (CI: 0.54-0.97) and 97.9% (CI: 0.88-1.0), respectively. The main inconsistency between the contrast-enhanced US and arthroscopy was that 7 patients with arthroscopic proved concurrent articular- and bursal-side tears were indicated as full-thickness RCTs on contrast-enhanced US.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined US contrast arthrography and subacromial-subdeltoid bursography are useful for detecting the RCT subtypes in patients with the uncertain RCTs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

When conventional high-frequency US has some difficulty in differentiating the full-thickness from partial-thickness RCTs, combined US contrast arthrography and subacromial-subdeltoid bursography could be used to improve the detection accuracy of RCT subtypes.

KEY POINTS

• This is the first study by injection of the US contrast agent SonoVue into the shoulder joint cavity and subacromial-subdeltoid bursa for the detection and differentiation of the RCT subtypes among the people with the uncertain RCT by conventional US screening. • The SonoVue was injected into the glenohumeral joint cavity under US guidance to differentiate the full-thickness RCTs from partial-thickness RCTs. • Combined US contrast arthrography and subacromial-subdeltoid bursography are useful for detecting the RCT subtypes in patients with the uncertain RCTs.

Effects of Arthroscopic Atelocollagen Insertion in High-Grade Partial Articular Supraspinatus Tendon Avulsion Lesions: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Propensity Score Matching

Background

This study sought to evaluate the effect of atelocollagen insertion into the bone-tendon interface of the repaired tendon after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for high-grade partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions.

Purpose

To compare clinical and radiological outcomes of atelocollagen-inserted rotator cuff repair and atelocollagen-noninserted rotator cuff repair in the high-grade PASTA lesions.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The data from 301 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of PASTA lesions between January 2017 and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with minimum 2-year follow-up data were included and divided into 2 groups: those treated with transtendon suture-bridge repair without additional augmentation (group 1) and those with atelocollagen-inserted transtendon suture-bridge repair (group 2). Patients in group 2 were matched 1:1 to patients in group 1 using propensity score matching (n = 68 per group); and pain visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, University of California, Los Angeles, Korean Shoulder Scoring System, Simple Shoulder Test, and range of motion scores were compared between these groups. Also, repaired tendon integrity and thickness were compared immediately, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the vertical distance from the midpoint footprint of the greater tuberosity.

Results

In most comparisons, there were no significant differences in outcome measures and range of motion between groups. However, less residual discomfort at the final follow-up was also documented in group 2 (P = .043). Also, the difference in forward flexion was 3.7° at 1 year and 5.4° at final follow-up, and the difference in abduction was 2.2° at final follow-up, which were all significantly greater in the experimental group. Group 2 showed significant greater tendon thickness of the repaired tendon immediately, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery on MRI (P≤ .001).

Conclusion

Addition of atelocollagen did not improve outcome scores. However, there was slightly greater flexion and abduction at final follow-up. Also, there was less residual discomfort at final follow-up.

[Partial-Thickness Tear of Supraspinatus and Infraspinatus Tendon Revisited: Based on MR Findings]

The interpretation of MRI of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears can be challenging. This review describes the anatomic considerations for diagnosing partial-thickness tears, especially supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon and summarizes the classification of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, as well as provides an overview on partial-thickness tears with delamination.

Transtendon Suture Bridge Repair of Both-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Midterm Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Among symptomatic partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCT) indicated for surgery, both-sided (concurrent articular and bursal side) PTRCT are rarely reported and discussed in the literature. Without clinical data on and definite guidelines for treating these rare partial tears, appropriate management cannot be expected.

PURPOSE

To calculate the prevalence of both-sided PTRCT and to evaluate clinical outcomes after arthroscopic transtendon suture bridge repair of both-sided PTRCT at a minimum 3-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Among symptomatic PTRCT that required arthroscopic surgery (765 patients) between March 2008 and December 2014, 178 both-sided partial tears were confirmed arthroscopically, and arthroscopic transtendon suture bridge repair was performed in 100 patients enrolled in our study after exclusion criteria were applied. The presence of concurrent articular and bursal side partial tears was confirmed via arthroscopy, with Ellman grade >2 on either the bursal or the articular side of these both-sided partial tears. Without tear completion, transtendon suture bridge repair was performed in all cases. Clinical outcomes including clinical scores and range of motion were evaluated at a mean of 5.3 ± 1.4 years (range, 3-8 years). Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 6 to 12 months (mean ± SD, 11 ± 5.20 months) after surgery to evaluate the tendon integrity (Sugaya classification) of the repaired rotator cuff.

RESULTS

The mean age was 57.5 ± 7.8 years, and 65% of patients were women. Mean preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, University of California Los Angeles, Simple Shoulder Test, and Constant-Murley outcome scores of 52 ± 14, 19 ± 4, 6 ± 2, and 69 ± 10 significantly improved postoperatively to 94 ± 5, 33 ± 2, 11 ± 1, and 93 ± 5, respectively (P < .001). Mean forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation improved significantly from 148°± 31°, 134°± 39°, 22°± 13°, and L2 preoperatively to 154°± 17°, 151°± 60°, 29°± 14°, and T10 postoperatively, respectively (P < .001). The retear rate on follow-up MRI scans was 2%. As per Sugaya classification on postoperative MRI scans, type 1 healing was found in 29%; type 2, in 60%; type 3, in 9%; and type 4, in 2%.

CONCLUSION

Among all symptomatic PTRCT that required surgery, both-sided PTRCT were more common than expected. Arthroscopic transtendon suture bridge repair of these both-sided PTRCT showed satisfactory clinical outcomes at a minimum 3-year follow-up.

MRA improves sensitivity than MRI for the articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND

This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography (MRA) for the articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tear (PTRCT).

METHODS

Three electronic databases, PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library, were utilized to retrieve articles comparing the diagnostic value of MRA and MRI for detecting articular-sided PTRCTs. The pooled statistical indexes included sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Eleven studies involving 1703 patients and 1704 shoulders were included. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and AUC and their 95% CIs of MRA to diagnose articular-sided PTRCTs were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.65-0.90), 0.96 (95% CI, 0.91-0.98), 68.14 (95% CI, 33.20-139.84) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94-0.97), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR and AUC and their 95% CIs of MRI were 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65-0.87) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.84-0.99), 47.82 (95% CI, 8.29-275.89) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.86-0.92), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis reveals that MRA has a better diagnostic value than that of MRI for the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears because of an improvement of sensitivity.

A Rare Presentation of a Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear With a Confluent Partial Articular-Sided Tear

Rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are common injuries that often go undiagnosed. While there is strong literature addressing the management of both partial- and full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, there is little to no literature describing both tears occurring concurrently. This is the first case reported in the context of a full-thickness RCT with a partial-thickness extension. It provides the clinical and radiographic context in which this patient was seen, as well as the operative guidelines used to achieve a successful outcome. We report a 39-year-old male reviewed for shoulder pain following mechanical injury. A tear involving the supraspinatus was clinically suspected and radiologically confirmed, but an unusual signal in select MRI images hinted towards further pathology. This was identified as a concurrent partial-thickness tear during arthroscopic evaluation was subsequently incorporated in the final repair configuration. The partial-thickness tear can easily be missed when superimposed on a full-thickness tear. A high degree of clinical suspicion is needed for diagnosis, corroborated with certain MRI features. Identifying these tears in a timely fashion will allow proper treatment to be instituted. Patients with these peculiar injury patterns can expect better long-term outcomes and functional recovery with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Detecting Rotator Cuff Tears: A Network Meta-analysis of 144 Diagnostic Studies

BACKGROUND

Many imaging techniques have been developed for the detection of rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Despite numerous quantitative diagnostic studies, their relative accuracy remains inconclusive.

PURPOSE

To determine which of 3 commonly used imaging modalities is optimal for the diagnosis of RCTs.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Studies evaluating the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), and ultrasound (US) used in the detection of RCTs were retrieved from the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases. Diagnostic data were extracted from articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A network meta-analysis was performed using an arm-based model to pool the absolute sensitivity and specificity, relative sensitivity and specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio as well as the superiority index for ranking the probability of these techniques.

RESULTS

A total of 144 studies involving 14,059 patients (14,212 shoulders) were included in this network meta-analysis. For the detection of full-thickness (FT) tears, partial-thickness (PT) tears, or any tear, MRA had the highest sensitivity, specificity, and superiority index. For the detection of any tear, MRI had better performance than US (sensitivity: 0.84 vs 0.81, specificity: 0.86 vs 0.82, and superiority index: 0.98 vs 0.22, respectively). With regard to FT tears, MRI had a higher sensitivity and superiority index than US (0.91 vs 0.87 and 0.67 vs 0.28, respectively) and a similar specificity (0.88 vs 0.88, respectively). The results for PT tears were similar to the detection of FT tears. A sensitivity analysis was performed by removing studies involving only 1 arm for FT tears, PT tears, or any tear, and the results remained stable.

CONCLUSION

This network meta-analysis of diagnostic tests revealed that high-field MRA had the highest diagnostic value for detecting any tear, followed by low-field MRA, high-field MRI, high-frequency US, low-field MRI, and low-frequency US. These findings can help guide clinicians in deciding on the appropriate imaging modality.

Diagnostic accuracy of MRA and MRI for the bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Numerous quantitatively studies have focused on the diagnosis of bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs); however, the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography (MRA) remains inconclusive. This study was performed systematically to compare the diagnostic value of MRA and MRI for the bursal-sided partial-thickness RCTs.

METHODS

Three electronic databases, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were utilized to retrieve articles comparing the diagnostic value of MRA and MRI for detecting bursal-sided partial-thickness RCTs. After screening and diluting out the articles that met the inclusion criteria to be used for statistical analysis, the pooled evaluation indexes include sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Twelve studies involving 1740 patients and 1741 shoulders were identified. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, and AUC of MRA to diagnose bursal-sided partial-thickness RCTs were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.67-0.85), 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99), 73.01 (95% CI, 35.01-152.26), and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85-0.91), respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, and AUC of MRI were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.66-0.86) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.81-0.99), and 37.12 (95% CI, 8.08-170.64) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.78-0.85), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis reveals that MRA and MRI have similar diagnostic value for the diagnosis of bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.

The Value of Percutaneous Shoulder Puncture with Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in Differentiation of Rotator Cuff Tear Subtypes: A Preliminary Prospective Study

Imaging tests perform relatively well in the detection of rotator cuff tears (RCTs), exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity, mainly among larger full-thickness tears (tear width >1 cm). However, these tests are relatively less accurate in the detection of small full-thickness tears and partial-thickness tears. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of percutaneous ultrasound-guided tendon lesionography (PUTL) using the SonoVue and the value of percutaneous shoulder puncture via contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)-a combination of percutaneous ultrasound-guided subacromial bursography (PUSB) and PUTL-in the detection of RCT subtypes. Conventional ultrasound (US), CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed and prospectively evaluated in 97 patients who had undergone arthroscopy because of suspected RCTs. The rates of detection of the various subtypes of RCTs using CEUS, PUSB, PUTL, US and MRI were evaluated. The RCT subtype detection rate via CEUS was significantly higher than the rates via US and MRI (96.9%, 74.2% and 76.3%, respectively), as were the detection rates for small full-thickness tears combined with partial-thickness tears (98.2%, 60.0% and 61.8%, respectively). The detection rate with PUSB was significantly higher than those with US and MRI in assessing full-thickness tears combined with bursal-side partial-thickness tears (93.9%, 65.3% and 65.3%, respectively). The detection rate with PUTL was significantly higher than those with US and MRI in assessing the corresponding subtypes (100.0%, 69.2% and 76.9%, respectively). On the basis of our findings, we consider PUTL a tolerable and feasible procedure. Percutaneous shoulder puncture using CEUS can be an effective alternative method with better diagnostic performance than US and MRI for the detection of RCT subtypes.

Disproportionate fluid sign as an aid in diagnosing high-grade bursal-sided supraspinatus tendon tear

Background Deep, high-grade bursal-sided supraspinatus tendon tears are sometimes preoperatively misinterpreted as full-thickness tears on shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Purpose To determine the usefulness of disproportionate fluid sign for differentiating high-grade bursal-sided partial-thickness tears from full-thickness tears on conventional MRI. Material and Methods Preoperative MRIs of 198 patients with arthroscopically confirmed high-grade bursal-sided partial-thickness tears and full-thickness tears were independently reviewed by two readers on two occasions. The presence of high-grade bursal-sided partial-thickness tears with a confidence level using a five-point grading scale was assessed based on tear depth alone and also in combination with disproportionate fluid sign, defined as a prominent subdeltoid or subacromial-subdeltoid bursal fluid distension with a relative paucity of effusion in the glenohumeral joint. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated, as well as inter-observer reliability. Results The disproportionate fluid sign was identified in 60/74 (81.2%) bursal-sided partial-thickness tears and 9/124 (7.5%) full-thickness tears. The sensitivity and accuracy of the diagnosis of bursal-sided tear were higher when disproportionate fluid sign was used in conjunction with the tear depth, compared with tear depth alone ( P < 0.001). There was excellent inter-observer agreement for disproportionate fluid sign and deep bursal-sided tear. The AUCs were significantly higher in combination with disproportionate fluid sign. Conclusion The disproportionate fluid sign indicates the presence of a deep, high-grade bursal-sided partial-thickness tear, which can be misinterpreted as a full-thickness tear. Thus, it can provide greater diagnostic assistance to less-experienced radiologists and clinicians.

Comparison of magnetic resonance arthrography with arthroscopy for imaging of shoulder injuries: retrospective study

BACKGROUND Arthroscopy is the established 'gold standard' diagnostic investigation for detection of shoulder disorders. We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of arthroscopy with magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) for detection of shoulder disorders. METHODS Patients who underwent arthroscopy by a single surgeon and preoperative MRA between February 2011 and March 2012 for shoulder instability were identified. MRAs were reported by experienced musculoskeletal radiologists. Labral tears, anterior labral tears, superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions, posterior labral tears, rotator-cuff tears (RCTs), osteoarthritis, loose bodies and Hill-Sachs lesions were identified. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were calculated. RESULTS A total of 194 patients were identified. The sensitivity and specificity for anterior labral tears was 0.60 and 0.92, SLAP lesions was 0.75 and 0.81, posterior labral tears was 0.57 and 0.96, any labral tear was 0.87 and 0.76, Hill-Sachs lesions was 0.91 and 0.91, RCTs was 0.71 and 0.86, osteoarthritis was 0.72 and 0.95, and loose bodies was 0.22 and 0.96, respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value for anterior labral tears were 0.88 and 0.71, SLAP lesions was 0.64 and 0.88, posterior labral tears was 0.74 and 0.45, any labral tear was 0.89 and 0.71, Hill-Sachs lesions was 0.66 and 0.98, RCTs was 0.47 and 0.95, osteoarthritis was 0.70 and 0.95, and loose bodies was 0.27 and 0.95, respectively. CONCLUSIONS MRA has high diagnostic accuracy for labral tears and Hill-Sachs lesions, but whether MRA should be the first-line imaging modality is controversial.

MRI-Arthroscopic Correlation in Rotator Cuff Tendon Pathologies; A Comparison between Various Centers

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has long been considered a perfect imaging study for evaluation of shoulder pathologies despite occasional discrepancies between MR reports and arthroscopic findings. In this study we aim to evaluate impact of imaging center as an indicator of image quality on accuracy of MRI reports in diagnosis of rotator cuff tendon pathologies.

METHODS

We reviewed MR reports of 64 patients who underwent arthroscopy in university center hospital. MRIs were done in various centers including both university-affiliated and out-centers. All studies were reported by two radiologists in consensus unaware of the arthroscopic results or previous reports. An inter-observer agreement analysis using the kappa statistics was performed to determine consistency among imaging and surgical reports.

RESULTS

Kappa values for out-centers were as follows: 0.785 for biceps, 0.469 for suscapularis, 0.846 for supraspinatus and 0.785 for infraspinatus tendons. In university centers values were 0.799 for biceps, 0.802 for suscapularis, 0.789 for supraspinatus and 0.770 for infraspinatus tendons.

CONCLUSION

Image reporting in university centers with proficient sequences increased accuracy of diagnosis in 3/4 of evaluated features and showed subtle decreased inter-observer agreement in 1/4 of features. Uniformity of the scanners and protocols as well as evaluation on a workstation rather than hard copies cumulatively resulted in a meaningful increase in the accuracy of the same radiologists in diagnosis of rotator cuff tendon tear.

Diagnostic shortcomings of magnetic resonance arthrography to evaluate partial rotator cuff tears in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggests an increase in the incidence of partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears in adolescent athletes, but the accuracy of diagnostic studies has not been previously assessed in this cohort. This study was performed to assess the ability of magnetic resonance imaging with arthrography (MRIa) to diagnose partial rotator cuff (PRC) pathology in the adolescent age group.

METHODS

All patients under the age of 19 years who underwent shoulder arthroscopy, between August 2008 and August 2010, were grouped based on the presence of a PRC tear diagnosed by either MRIa or arthroscopy. The control cohort included children without evidence of an intraoperative PRC. Surgical findings were then correlated with the preoperative MRIa findings and the accuracy of MRIa reading. Interclass coefficient was then determined for the MRIa reviewers.

RESULTS

Thirty-one of 89 adolescents (mean age, 15.9 y; 36% girls and 64% boys) who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery were found to have radiographic or arthroscopic evidence of a PRC injury. There were 17 boys and 14 girls in the PRC group, with a mean age of 15.6 years. The PRC injuries involved either the supraspinatus tendon, infraspinatus tendon, or both. MRIa was 44% sensitive and 87% specific, with a positive predictive value of 64% and a negative predictive value of 74% with arthroscopic findings used as the gold standard. The ICC between reviewers was κ=0.57, with an absolute agreement of 84%.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall diagnostic accuracy of the MRIa with regard to adolescent PRC injuries was 72%. MRIa was found to be specific, but not sensitive for the diagnosis of this pathology. The high false-negative rate seen in this adolescent cohort indicates that a PRC injury may be present even with a negative MRIa. Therefore, if clinical suspicion indicates a PRC injury, then the treating physician should consider management for rotator cuff pathology despite negative MRIa findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III--retrospective cohort study.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography, MRI and MR arthrography in the characterisation of rotator cuff disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Different diagnostic imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography (US), MRI, MR arthrography (MRA) are commonly used for the characterisation of rotator cuff (RC) disorders. Since the most recent systematic reviews on medical imaging, multiple diagnostic studies have been published, most using more advanced technological characteristics. The first objective was to perform a meta-analysis on the diagnostic accuracy of medical imaging for characterisation of RC disorders. Since US is used at the point of care in environments such as sports medicine, a secondary analysis assessed accuracy by radiologists and non-radiologists.

Methods

A systematic search in three databases was conducted. Two raters performed data extraction and evaluation of risk of bias independently, and agreement was achieved by consensus. Hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic package was used to calculate pooled estimates of included diagnostic studies.

Results

Diagnostic accuracy of US, MRI and MRA in the characterisation of full-thickness RC tears was high with overall estimates of sensitivity and specificity over 0.90. As for partial RC tears and tendinopathy, overall estimates of specificity were also high (>0.90), while sensitivity was lower (0.67–0.83). Diagnostic accuracy of US was similar whether a trained radiologist, sonographer or orthopaedist performed it.

Conclusions

Our results show the diagnostic accuracy of US, MRI and MRA in the characterisation of full-thickness RC tears. Since full thickness tear constitutes a key consideration for surgical repair, this is an important characteristic when selecting an imaging modality for RC disorder. When considering accuracy, cost, and safety, US is the best option.

Does the experience level of the radiologist, assessment in consensus, or the addition of the abduction and external rotation view improve the diagnostic reproducibility and accuracy of MRA of the shoulder?

AIM

To prospectively evaluate the influence of observer experience, consensus assessment, and abduction and external rotation (ABER) view on the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) in patients with traumatic anterior-shoulder instability (TASI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-eight MRA examinations (of which 51 had additional ABER views) were assessed by six radiologists (R1-R6) and three teams (T1-T3) with different experience levels, using a seven-lesion standardized scoring form. Forty-five out of 58 MRA examination findings were surgically confirmed. Kappa coefficients, sensitivity, specificity, and differences in percent agreement or correct diagnosis (p-value, McNemar's test) were calculated per lesion and overall per seven lesion types to assess diagnostic reproducibility and accuracy.

RESULTS

Overall kappa ranged from poor (k = 0.17) to moderate (k = 0.53), sensitivity from 30.6-63.5%, and specificity from 73.6-89.9%. Overall, the most experienced radiologists (R1-R2) and teams (T2-T3) agreed significantly more than the lesser experienced radiologists (R3-R4: p = 0.014, R5-R6; p = 0.018) and teams (T2-T3: p = 0.007). The most experienced radiologist (R1, R2, R3) and teams (T1, T2) were also consistently more accurate than the lesser experienced radiologists (R4, R5, R6) and team (T3). Significant differences were found between R1-R4 (p = 0.012), R3-R4 (p = 0.03), and T2-T3 (p = 0.014). The overall performance of consensus assessment was systematically higher than individual assessment. Significant differences were established between T1-T2 and radiologists R3-R4 (p<0.001, p = 0.001) and between T2 and R3 (p<0.001/p = 0.001) or R4 (p = 0.050). No overall significant differences were found between the radiologists' assessments with and without ABER.

CONCLUSION

The addition of ABER does not significantly improve overall diagnostic performance. The radiologist's experience level and consensus assessment do contribute to higher reproducibility and accuracy.

Comparison of three-dimensional isotropic and conventional MR arthrography with respect to the diagnosis of rotator cuff and labral lesions: focus on isotropic fat-suppressed proton density and VIBE sequences

AIM

To compare the diagnostic accuracies of three-dimensional (3D) isotropic magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) using fat-suppressed proton density (PD) or volume interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) sequences with that of conventional MRA for the diagnosis of rotator cuff and labral lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-six patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery were included. 3D isotropic sequences were performed in the axial plane using fat-suppressed PD (group A) in 53 patients and using VIBE (group B) in 33 patients. Reformatted images were obtained corresponding to conventional images, and evaluated for the presence of labral and rotator cuff lesions using conventional and 3D isotropic sequences. The diagnostic performances of each sequence were determined using arthroscopic findings as the standard.

RESULTS

Good to excellent interobserver agreements were obtained for both 3D isotropic sequences for the evaluation of rotator cuff and labral lesions. Excellent agreement was found between two-dimensional (2D) and 3D isotropic MRA, except for supraspinatus tendon (SST) tears by both readers and for subscapularis tendon (SCT) tears by reader 2 in group B. 2D MRA and 3D isotropic sequences had high diagnostic performances for rotator and labral tears, and the difference between the two imaging methods was insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic performances of 3D isotropic VIBE and PD sequences were similar to those of 2D MRA.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging. 148. Bursal-sided partial-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear

Rotator cuff injury comprises a continual spectrum of lesions ranging from tendinopathy, which may progress to partial- or full-thickness tear. This progression may be influenced by the interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. We describe the case of a 29-year-man who presented with right shoulder pain for one year. His initial magnetic resonance (MR) arthrogram showed supraspinatus tendinopathy. Subsequent MR arthrogram, obtained after a road traffic accident, showed a bursal-sided partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon. In view of his worsening clinical symptoms, surgery was performed ten months later, revealing a full-thickness rotator cuff tear near the tendon insertion, with a tight subacromial space and bony protuberance of the humeral head. The pathogenesis of rotator cuff injuries, the roles of different imaging modalities in the diagnosis of rotator cuff injuries, as well as the advantages and limitations of various radiological modalities, are discussed.

Magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance arthrography and ultrasonography for assessing rotator cuff tears in people with shoulder pain for whom surgery is being considered

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain is a very common symptom. Disorders of the rotator cuff tendons due to wear or tear are among the most common causes of shoulder pain and disability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) and ultrasound (US) are increasingly being used to assess the presence and size of rotator cuff tears to assist in planning surgical treatment. It is not known whether one imaging method is superior to any of the others.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the diagnostic test accuracy of MRI, MRA and US for detecting any rotator cuff tears (i.e. partial or full thickness) in people with suspected rotator cuff tears for whom surgery is being considered.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Register of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS from inception to February 2011. We also searched trial registers, conference proceedings and reference lists of articles to identify additional studies. No language or publication restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all prospective diagnostic accuracy studies that assessed MRI, MRA or US against arthroscopy or open surgery as the reference standard, in people suspected of having a partial or full thickness rotator cuff tear. We excluded studies that selected a healthy control group, or participants who had been previously diagnosed with other specific causes of shoulder pain such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Studies with an excessively long period (a year or longer) between the index and reference tests were also excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data on study characteristics and results of included studies, and performed quality assessment according to QUADAS criteria. Our unit of analysis was the shoulder. For each test, estimates of sensitivity and specificity from each study were plotted in ROC space and forest plots were constructed for visual examination of variation in test accuracy. Meta-analyses were performed using the bivariate model to produce summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity. We were unable to formally investigate potential sources of heterogeneity because of the small number of studies.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 20 studies of people with suspected rotator cuff tears (1147 shoulders), of which six evaluated MRI and US (252 shoulders), or MRA and US (127 shoulders) in the same people. Many studies had design flaws, with the potential for bias, thus limiting the reliability of their findings. Overall, the methodological quality of the studies was judged to be low or unclear. For each test, we observed considerable heterogeneity in study results, especially between studies that evaluated US for the detection of full thickness tears and studies that evaluated MRA for the detection of partial thickness tears. The criteria for a positive diagnostic test (index tests and reference standard) varied between studies.Meta-analyses were not possible for studies that assessed MRA for detection of any rotator cuff tears or partial thickness tears. We found no statistically significant differences in sensitivity or specificity between MRI and US for detecting any rotator cuff tears (P = 0.13), or for detecting partial thickness tears (P = 1.0). Similarly, for the comparison between MRI, MRA and US for detecting full thickness tears, there was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic performance (P = 0.7). For any rotator cuff tears, the summary sensitivity and specificity were 98% (95% CI 92% to 99%) and 79% (95% CI 68% to 87%) respectively for MRI (6 studies, 347 shoulders), and 91% (95% CI 83% to 95%) and 85% (95% CI 74% to 92%) respectively for US (13 studies, 854 shoulders). For full thickness tears, the summary sensitivity and specificity were 94% (95% CI 85% to 98%) and 93% (95% CI 83% to 97%) respectively for MRI (7 studies, 368 shoulders); 94% (95% CI 80% to 98%) and 92% (95% CI 83% to 97%) respectively for MRA (3 studies, 183 shoulders); and 92% (95% CI 82% to 96%) and 93% (95% CI 81% to 97%) respectively for US (10 studies, 729 shoulders).Because few studies were direct head-to-head comparisons, we could not perform meta-analyses restricted to these studies. The test comparisons for each of the three classifications of the target condition were therefore based on indirect comparisons which may be prone to bias due to confounding.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

MRI, MRA and US have good diagnostic accuracy and any of these tests could equally be used for detection of full thickness tears in people with shoulder pain for whom surgery is being considered. The diagnostic performance of MRI and US may be similar for detection of any rotator cuff tears. However, both MRI and US may have poor sensitivity for detecting partial thickness tears, and the sensitivity of US may be much lower than that of MRI. The strength of evidence for all test comparisons is limited because most studies were small, heterogeneous and methodologically flawed, and there were few comparative studies. Well designed studies that directly compare MRI, MRA and US for detection of rotator cuff tears are needed.

Magnetic resonance imaging of rotator cuff disease and external impingement

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays a major role in helping to identify rotator cuff disease and in demonstrating the pathology associated with external impingement. Many surgeons rely on MR imaging to assist in decision making and presurgical planning for patients with rotator cuff pain. This article reviews the etiology of external impingement and rotator cuff tears, and describes the MR imaging appearance of the normal and the pathologic rotator cuffs. It focuses on the supraspinatus tendon because this is the tendon involved in 95% of rotator cuff tears.