Tear of the distal biceps tendon presenting as an antecubital mass: magnetic resonance imaging appearances.
OBJECTIVE
To present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for tear of the distal biceps tendon presenting as a soft-tissue mass in the antecubital fossa.


METHODS
The authors identified four patients who had been referred for MRI of an antecubital soft-tissue mass and in whom a tear of the distal biceps tendon was found.


RESULTS
All four patients had typical MRI findings for a tear of the distal biceps tendon. In three, a tear at the insertion of the tendon onto the radial tuberosity was associated with small fluid collections at the site of the tear. In one patient there was thinning of the tendon and fluid within the tendon sheath. The diagnosis was confirmed by clinical correlation and follow-up of at least 1 year (in two patients) or by surgical exploration (in two).


CONCLUSIONS
With knowledge of the MRI appearance of distal biceps tendon tear, it should be possible to correctly diagnose the problem, even when the clinical presentation does not suggest the diagnosis.
Logan
P M
PM
Department of Radiology, Dalhousie University and Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, NS.
Janzen
D L
DL
Connell
D G
DG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004550:Elbow / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012421:Rupture; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries