Accuracy of preoperative MRI in the diagnosis of disorders of the long head of the biceps tendon

• We evaluated the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of disorders of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT)
• The study surveyed the demographic characteristics that may be predictive factors for the presence of disorders in this tendon
• Shoulder MRI has a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 98% for the detection of complete tears of the LHBT
• The instability values were 53% and 72%, respectively
• Tears and fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus are predictive factors for tears of the LHBT, while infraspinatus and subscapularis tears, supraspinatus and infraspinatus retractions equal to or greater than 30 mm and fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus and subscapularis are predictive factors for instability.

ObjetivesTo evaluate the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the detection of disorders of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). The secondary objective was to investigate predictive factors for tears and instability.MethodsThis retrospective case series involved patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy due to rotator cuff injury. MRI was performed in a 1.5 T scanner and was evaluated by a musculoskeletal radiologist. The findings were compared with those of arthroscopic inspection.ResultsA total of 90 shoulders were analyzed. Regarding tears, there was 67% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Regarding instabilities, the values were 53% and 72%, respectively. Tears and fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus are predictive factors for tears of the LHBT. Tears of the subscapularis and infraspinatus, retraction of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus equal to or greater than 30 mm, and fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus and subscapularis are predictive factors for instability.ConclusionCompared to arthroscopy, the shoulder MRI has a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 98% for the detection of complete tears of the LHBT. For instability, the values are 53% and 72%, respectively.