[Low-field MR arthrography of the shoulder: early results using an open 0.2T MR system].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the practicability and image quality of doing MR arthrography of the shoulder using a 0.2T system.


METHODS
60 patients (24 with chronic instability, 36 with impingement syndrome) were examined in an open 0.2T MR apparatus (Magnetom Open, Siemens). After the intra-articular injections of 15-20 ml of a 2 mmol Gd-DTPA solution, coronary STIR, T1-weighted, sagittal and axial T2*-weighted FLASH 2D sequences were performed. 21 patients subsequently underwent surgery.


RESULTS
Image quality of the T1- and T2*-weighted FLASH 2D sequences was regarded as good or adequate and movement artifacts were minor or moderate. STIR sequences were statistically significantly worse in respect of image quality and movement artifacts (p < 0.001, p < 0.005). The sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of rotator cuff rupture as confirmed by surgery was 100% (labrum lesions 100%, 93%). Agreement in the diagnosis of rupture of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons was 0.93 and 0.65.


CONCLUSIONS
MR arthrography of the shoulder using an open 0.2 T MR system provides adequate information concerning the intra articular structures of the joint. The disadvantage is the prolonged duration of the examination with the risk of poor image quality resulting from movement artifacts.
Löw
R
R
Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz.
Kreitner
K F
KF
Runkel
M
M
Zöllner
J
J
Thelen
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001175:Arthrography / Q000379:methods; D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000473:pathology; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012421:Rupture; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D013708:Tendon Injuries; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA
Niederfeld MR-Arthrographie der Schulter: Erste Ergebnisse mit einem offenen 0,2 T MR-System.