Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis: comparison of contrast-enhanced MRI with noncontrast-enhanced MRI

ObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and non-CE MRI for adhesive capsulitis (AC).MethodsCE MRI of 50 AC and 53 non-AC patients were reviewed by two radiologists independently.ResultsAxillary capsular thickening and T2 hyperintensity (sensitivity=92–94%; specificity=53–64%) and enhancement of the axillary capsule and rotator interval (sensitivity=92–98%; specificity=38–64%) were helpful in diagnosing AC. Interobserver reliability was highest with axillary joint capsule enhancement (κ=0.92).ConclusionNon-CE and CE MRI are helpful in confirming the clinical diagnosis of AC. CE-MRI may improve assessment of the rotator interval and diagnostic confidence in patients with AC.