Comparison of Indirect Isotropic MR Arthrography and Conventional MR Arthrography of Labral Lesions and Rotator Cuff Tears: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Three-dimensional isotropic MR arthrography sequences with multiplanar reconstruction can provide a similar capability for the diagnosis of labral and rotator cuff lesions as conventional MR arthrography sequences but in a shorter imaging time.

A meta-analysis of the diagnostic test accuracy of MRA and MRI for the detection of glenoid labral injury

“…Nonetheless, more recent studies have started using much higher field strength machines to image the glenoid labrum. Four studies assessed MRA using a 3.0 T machine [16,17,28,29], while two MRI studies were performed using 3.0 T procedures [29,30]. When these papers were specifically reviewed, the MRI findings indicated greater diagnostic test accuracy for the higher field strength imaging compared to our meta-analysis results.…”

“…In addition to this, technical advances with the advent of 3.0 T MRI systems have provided increased signal-to-noise ratio to achieve faster images to reduce the indicated of motion artefacts and higher resolution images to increase the detection of gleniod injuries [17,27]. The effect of magnetic resonance field strength was not formally assessed in this meta-analysis.…”

“…Duration from imaging to surgery was presented in 34 studies. Mean duration ranged from 1 day [16,17] to 42 months [18]. For the MRA assessment, scanner field strength was 0.2 Tesla (T) in four studies, 0.5 T in one study, 1.0 T in six, 1.5 T in 30 studies and four studies assessed the diagnostic test accuracy using a 3.0 T MR scanner.…”

Indirect magnetic resonance arthrography of the shoulder; a reliable diagnostic tool for investigation of suspected labral pathology

“…Studies have shown that 15 min of exercise following intravenous gadolinium injection prior to MRI, increases signal intensity in the joint and improves the sensitivity in the detection of shoulder pathology [20, 21]. A study by Oh et al, encompassing 36 patients, reported a lower specificity and sensitivity in the detection of superior labral tears, but better results in detection of anterior labral tears by I-MRA [22]. …”

Rotator cuff tears noncontrast MRI compared to MR arthrography

“…While Yagci et al [4] analyzed the efficacy of indirect MR arthrography and noncontrast MRI for suspected rotator cuff abnormalities, the study was based on a small number of patients, without statistical comparison between the two techniques (except for the interobserver agreement). Previous studies have revealed that indirect MR arthrography is highly accurate in diagnosing overall and full-thickness tears of SSP-ISP tendons [4,9,[12][13][14]24]. In contrast, the correct diagnoses of a partial-thickness tear remains difficult despite the use of intravenous contrast media [12,14,24].…”