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Skeletal Radiology
Published in: Skeletal Radiology 11/2019

01-11-2019 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Scientific Article

Diagnostic accuracy of MRI for detection of tears and instability of proximal long head of biceps tendon: an evaluation of 100 shoulders compared with arthroscopy

Authors: Eduardo Baptista, Eduardo A. Malavolta, Mauro E. C. Gracitelli, Daniel Alvarenga, Marcelo Bordalo-Rodrigues, Arnaldo A. Ferreira Neto, Nestor de Barros

Published in: Skeletal Radiology | Issue 11/2019

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Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection of instability and tears of the proximal long head of biceps tendon (LHBT). To assess intraobserver and interobserver agreement.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 100 consecutive shoulders who underwent non-contrast 1.5-T MRI prior to arthroscopic surgery due to rotator cuff injury. Images were independently analyzed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. LHBT was evaluated for presence of tearing (intact, longitudinal split, partial-thickness, or full-thickness) and position (normal, subluxated, and dislocated). Anterosuperior rotator cuff tears were also assessed. The reference standard was arthroscopic surgery. The ramp test was performed in order to evaluate LHBT stability. Diagnostic performance measures were determined and Kappa coefficients assessed agreement.

Results

Concerning the detection of overall tears, sensitivity ranged from 71 to 73% and specificity was 73%. The specificity for full-thickness tears ranged from 75 to 96%. Overall displacement showed sensitivity ranging from 51 to 58% and specificity ranging from 70 to 86%. The specificity of overall displacement combined with anterosuperior rotator cuff tears ranged from 73 to 91%. Interobserver Kappa values were between 0.59 and 0.69. Intraobserver Kappa values were between 0.74 and 0.82.

Conclusions

MRI has moderate accuracy and good agreement for detection of LHBT tears and instability. There is a tendency for increased specificity for full-thickness tears and for instability in the coexistence of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Diagnostic accuracy of MRI for detection of tears and instability of proximal long head of biceps tendon: an evaluation of 100 shoulders compared with arthroscopy
Authors
Eduardo Baptista
Eduardo A. Malavolta
Mauro E. C. Gracitelli
Daniel Alvarenga
Marcelo Bordalo-Rodrigues
Arnaldo A. Ferreira Neto
Nestor de Barros
Publication date
01-11-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Skeletal Radiology / Issue 11/2019
Print ISSN: 0364-2348
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2161
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-019-03214-z

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