Low incorporation of soleus tendon: a potential diagnostic pitfall on MR imaging

We describe a case of thickening and longitudinal increased signal within the Achilles tendon in a patient denying any recent or previous history of Achilles tendon injury. The MR appearance, while simulating tendinosis or rupture, was compatible with incomplete incorporation of the soleus tendon into the gastrocnemius tendon. This constitutes a normal anatomical variant, not previously described in the radiologic literature, and should not be confused with increased signal and thickening due to disease of the Achilles tendon.