Taisuke Sasaki MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Hiraku Yodono MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Atsushi Shinohara, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kunihiro Matsuo, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yasuyuki Ishibashi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hideki Sato, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hiroshi Noda, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Yoko Itabashi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the diagnostic ability of double oblique MR arthrography (DO-MRA) in evaluating shoulder disorders compared with conventional MR arthrography (C-MRA).

We retrospectively reviewed MR arthrography of 25 shoulders of 23 cases, subsequently examined with arthroscopy between November ﾕ03 and January ﾕ05. The study included 17 men and 6 women; 13-40 years old (mean age, 22). Indications for MR arthrography were unstable shoulder (18), throwing athlete (4) and other (1). Arthroscopic findings were used as the gold standard. Both DO-MRA and C-MRA were obtained on every shoulder, using a spin echo T1 weighted sequence with fat saturation. All MR images were obtained with a 1.5T unit using a dedicated shoulder coil. Fifteen to twenty ml of diluted Gadolinium chelate was used as intraarticular contrast media. Double oblique axial and coronal MR imaging (DOA and DOC) were performed using perpendicular or parallel planes to the long axis of the glenoid fossa obtained by oblique sagittal imaging. We compared DOA with straight axial MR imaging (SA) regarding their ability to assess anterior and posterior labral injuries, and also to demonstrate the anterior band of inferior glenohumeral ligaments (AIGHL) and the intracapsular part of the long head of the biceps brachii tendons (LHBT). DOC and conventional oblique coronal MR imaging were compared regarding their ability to diagnose rotator cuff tears and superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears. DO-MRA and C-MRA were evaluated separately by two radiologists in consensus, blinded to the arthroscopic findings. Chi square test and hypothesis test of proportions were used to compare the diagnostic performances between them. A P value smaller than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Sensitivity of DOA (92%) was better than that of SA (42%) to diagnose posterior labral injuries. DOA were also better to demonstrate AIGHL and LHBT than SA in over one half of the shoulders. Otherwise, there was no significant difference between them.

DO-MRA was better than C-MRA to diagnose shoulder disorders. Although, further evaluation is necessary, we conclude that DA-MRA can replace C-MRA for shoulders.

Sasaki, T, Yodono, H, Shinohara, A, Matsuo, K, Ishibashi, Y, Sato, H, Noda, H, Itabashi, Y, et al, , MR Arthrography of Shoulders: Double versus Conventional MR Imaging.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4416695.html