Correlation between MRI and Ultrasound Findings in Rotator Cuff Tear of Shoulder Joint for Accuracy Assessment of Diagnostic Tests |Chapter 2 | Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 2

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a fine modality in diagnosing rotator cuff tears (RCT). With the speedy development and advancement of technology of ultrasound, rotator cuff tears have ameliorated significantly and reached levels comparable to (MRI).

Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the accuracy of ultrasound for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears with respect to magnetic resonance imaging, to identify partial thickness rotator cuff tears, full thickness rotator cuff tears and tendinopathic changes; and to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of US in diagnosing them with respect to magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods: It is a prospective study conducted at the Department of Radiodiagnosis in Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Nellore. A total of 30 patients who were suspected of having rotator cuff tear or tendinosis and planning to undergo an MRI of the shoulder were included in this study. Shoulder ultrasound was performed either before or after the MRI scan on the same day. The findings of ultrasound were compared and correlated with the findings of MRI.

Results: The study included 23 male and 7 female patients. The highest number of cases was found in the age group of 18-30 years, with a total number of 12 cases accounting for 40 %. The majority of the cases (19 cases) presented with the duration of symptoms between one to six months constituting about 63.3% of all cases. The Sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for diagnosis of rotator cuff tear were 93%, 73%, 77%, 91%, and 83%, respectively.

Conclusion: Sensitivity (SN) for diagnosis of rotator cuff tear was good and had a higher negative predictive value (NPV). Consequently, the operator of ultrasound even though having a short tenure of experience in performing an ultrasound of the shoulder had good sensitivity in diagnosing tears; and was able to eliminate them with sureness. The study was limited by the involvement of a single ultrasound operator. Further research is recommended to assess the diagnostic accuracy of multiple ultrasonography operators with varying levels of expertise in detecting rotator cuff tears.

 

Author (s) Details

K S Vedaraju
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Narayana Medical College & Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Basam Pavani Reddy
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Narayana Medical College & Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v2/5001