Adhesive capsulitis: contrast-enhanced shoulder MRI findings

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Orthopedics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Adhesive capsulitis (AC), commonly known as frozen shoulder, presents diagnostic challenges.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) for adhesive capsulitis.
• To identify specific CE-MRI findings indicative of AC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CE-MRI scans from 12 AC patients (13 shoulders) and 9 controls.
• Assessment of signal intensity, soft tissue abnormalities, and contrast enhancement in key shoulder joint areas.
• Measurement of capsular and synovial thickening in the axillary recess and rotator interval.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant signal intensity differences were observed in the axillary pouch of AC patients compared to controls (P < 0.001).
• CE-MRI demonstrated significant contrast enhancement in the axillary pouch, rotator interval, biceps anchor, and anterior-posterior capsules of AC shoulders (P < 0.001).
• Significant capsular and synovial thickening was noted in the axillary pouch and rotator interval in AC cases (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• CE-MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing adhesive capsulitis.
• The technique effectively visualizes characteristic soft-tissue thickening and enhancement patterns in the joint capsule and synovium.