Glenoid labrum: MR imaging with histologic correlation.
OBJECTIVE
To document the histopathologic basis of altered intralabral and sublabral signal intensity on magnetic resonance (MR) images.


METHODS
Ten fresh cadaveric shoulder specimens underwent transaxial MR imaging with T1-weighted, proton-density-weighted, and T2-weighted spin-echo; multiplanar gradient-recalled echo (MPGR); three-dimensional Fourier transform gradient-recalled echo (GRE); spoiled gradient-recalled echo (SPGR); and T1-weighted, fat-suppressed sequences before and after intraarticular injection of gadolinium. Shoulders were then frozen and transversely sectioned, and histologic analysis of the labrum was performed.


RESULTS
Altered intralabral signal intensity correlated with fibrovascular tissue, mucoid or eosinophilic degeneration, calcification, ossification, synovial tissue, or combinations of these findings. A sublabral transitional band of intermediate signal intensity correlated with a transitional zone of fibrocartilage.


CONCLUSIONS
There are several causes of altered intralabral signal intensity. A transitional fibrocartilaginous zone correlates with sublabral increased signal intensity. Intraarticular administration of gadolinium improves evaluation of the glenoid labrum.
Loredo
R
R
Department of Radiology, University of Texas at San Antonio, USA.
Longo
C
C
Salonen
D
D
Yu
J
J
Haghighi
P
P
Trudell
D
D
Clopton
P
P
Resnick
D
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology*