Massive rotator cuff tears. Screening by routine radiographs

To clarify their usefulness in screening massive rotator cuff tear, routine radiographs of the shoulder were compared in three groups: (1) shoulders with a massive rotator cuff tear (MRCT), (2) shoulders with a small full-thickness rotator cuff tear (SRCT), and (3) normal control shoulders. Two different statistical methods were employed to assess the gradation (order) of correlation in 83 shoulders (22 were MRCTs, 31 with SRCTs, and 30 controls). Superior migration of the humerus and deformity of the greater tuberosity showed by far the more significant contribution to MRCT than did other abnormalities. When the shoulders were screened for these two abnormalities, the sensitivity was 78% (21/27) and specificity was 98% (55/56).

Calcified soft tissue leiomyoma of the shoulder mimicking a chondrogenic tumor

A case of leiomyoma with prominent calcification in the deep soft tissue of the shoulder is reported. The tumor showed mulberry-like calcifications on radiographs and computed tomography scans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed well-circumscribed solid tumor with multiple signal voids. Although the signal intensity characteristics of the tumor matrix on plain MRI resembled those of chondroid matrix, the entire tumor was enhanced by gadopentetate dimeglumine and could be differentiated from chondrogenic tumors. MRI was also useful in evaluating the tumor extent.

Sequential contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the penis

PURPOSE

To determine the enhancement patterns of the penis at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sequential contrast material-enhanced MR images of the penis in a flaccid state were obtained in 16 volunteers (12 with normal penile function and four with erectile dysfunction).

RESULTS

Subjects with normal erectile function showed gradual and centrifugal enhancement of the corpora cavernosa, while those with erectile dysfunction showed poor enhancement with abnormal progression.

CONCLUSION

Sequential contrast-enhanced MR imaging provides additional morphologic information for the evaluation of erectile dysfunction.

Distribution of joint effusion in patients with traumatic knee joint disorders: MRI assessment

One hundred forty-five knee magnetic resonance imaging examinations with joint effusions were reviewed to clarify the usual distribution of joint fluids in patients with traumatic knee joint disorders. Almost all knees (99%) had effusions in the central portion, and most knees (76%) had effusions in the suprapatellar pouch. Effusions were rarely found in the posterior femoral recess (9%) or subpopliteal recess (2%). However, this difference was considered to be only a reflection of anatomic communications. Effusions were occasionally found around posterior cruciate ligaments (36%), but were less frequently seen around anterior cruciate ligaments (18%).