6533b7d2fe1ef96bd125f46f

RESEARCH PRODUCT

MRT bei chronischer Epicondylitis humeri radialis an einem 1,0 T-Gerät - Kontrastmittelgabe notwendig?

subject

description

T: Is Gd-DTPA administration useful Purpose: Evaluation of the diagnostic value and confidence of contrast-enhanced MR imaging in patients with lateral epicondylitis in comparison to clinical diagnosis. Material and Methods: 42 consecutive patients with clinically proven chronic lateral epicondylitis and 10 ellbow joints of healthy controls have been examined on a 1.0 T MR-unit. Criteria for inclusion in the prospective study were: persistant pain and a failed conservative therapy. The MR protocol included STIR sequence, a native, T 2 -weighted, fat-supressed TSE sequence, and a Flash-2-D sequence. Also, fatsupressed, T 1 -weighted SE sequences before and after administration of Gd-DTPA contrast media have been recovded. Results: In 39/42 patients the STIR sequence showed an increased SI of the common extensor tendon. Increased MR signal of the lateral collateral ligament combined with a thickening and a partial rupture or a full thickness tear have been observed in 15/42 cases. A bone marrow edema at the lateral epicondylus was noticed in 6 of the studied patients and a joint effusion in 18/42 patients. After administration of contrast media we noticed an average increase of SI by about 150%. However, enhanced MR imaging did not provide additional information. Conclusion: In MR imaging of chronic epicondylitis administration of gadolinium-DTPA does not provide additional information.