Technetium-99m human immunoglobulin imaging in patients with subacromial impingement or adhesive capsulitis

Although recognised as useful in detecting soft-tissue inflammation and infection, technetium-99m human immunoglobulin (Tc-99m HIG) has not been widely studied in evaluating regional inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions. Tc-99m HIG scintigraphy was undertaken for consecutive patients referred to a rheumatology clinic with unilateral shoulder pain, diagnosed with either subacromial impingement (n = 12) or adhesive capsulitis (n = 4) from clinical examination, radiographic, and in some cases arthrographic findings. In all patients there were no differences in Tc-99m HIG images between symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders. The findings are discussed, with reference to patterns of tissue inflammation which have been associated with each of the two conditions and in the context of patients referred to hospital relatively late after onset of symptoms (4-6 months).