CT arthrography of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Are MR signs applicable?

Key takeaways

01Certain MRI signs for frozen shoulder are also visible on CTA scans
02A smaller, thicker axillary recess is a key indicator
03A thickened coracohumeral ligament is also associated with the condition
04Obliteration of the rotator interval was more common in frozen shoulder

CT arthrography can identify key signs of frozen shoulder, like a thickened joint capsule, similar to how MRI does.

Abstract

Objective To determine if diagnostic signs of adhesive capsulitis (AC) of the shoulder at Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and arthrography (MRA) are applicable to CT arthrography (CTA). Methods 22 shoulder CTAs with AC were retrospectively reviewed for features described in MR literature. The control group was composed of 83 shoulder CTA divided into four subgroups 1) normal (N = 20), 2) omarthrosis (N = 19), 3) labral injury (N = 23), and 4) rotator cuff tear (N = 21). Two musculoskeletal radiologists assessed the rotator interval (RI) for obliteration, increased width and thickening of coracohumeral ligament (CHL). The width and capsule thickness of the axillary recess were measured. Results The width of the axillary recess was significantly decreased in the AC group (4.6 ± 2.6 mm versus 9.9 ± 4.6 mm, p ≤ 0.0001; sensitivity and specificity of 84% and 80%). Thickness of the medial and lateral walls of the axillary capsule was significantly increased in the AC group (5.9 ± 1.3 mm versus 3.7 ± 1.1 mm, p ≤ 0.0001 and 5.7 ± 1 mm versus 3.5 ± 1.3 mm, p ≤ 0.0001, respectively). CHL thickness was significantly increased in the AC group (4.1 ± 1 mm (p ≤ 0.001)) in comparison to others groups. Obliteration of the RI was statistically significantly more frequent in patients with AC (72.7% (16/22) vs. 12% (10/83), p < 0.0001). Width of the RI did not differ significantly between patients and controls (p ≥ 0.428). Conclusion Decreased axillary width, and thickened axillary capsule are MR signs of AC applicable to CTA. Evaluation of rotator interval seems useful and reproducible only for obliteration.

Cite this study

APA: Milena Cernya, Patrick Omoumia, Ahmed Larbi, Daniel Manicourt, Anne Perozziello, Frédéric Lecouvet, Bruno Vande Berg, & Benjamin Dallaudiere (2017). CT arthrography of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Are MR signs applicable?. https://fasciaresearchdatabase.com/ct-arthrography-of-adhesive-capsulitis-of-the-shoulder-are-mr-signs-applicable/
MLA: Milena Cernya, et al. "CT arthrography of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Are MR signs applicable?." 2017, https://fasciaresearchdatabase.com/ct-arthrography-of-adhesive-capsulitis-of-the-shoulder-are-mr-signs-applicable/.
Chicago: Milena Cernya et al. 2017. "CT arthrography of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Are MR signs applicable?.". https://fasciaresearchdatabase.com/ct-arthrography-of-adhesive-capsulitis-of-the-shoulder-are-mr-signs-applicable/

CT arthrography of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: Are MR signs applicable? — The Fascia Guide