[MRI in chronic epicondylitis humeri radialis using 1.0 T equipment--contrast medium administration necessary?].
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of the diagnostic value and confidence of contrast-enhanced MR imaging in patients with lateral epicondylitis in comparison to clinical diagnosis.


METHODS
42 consecutive patients with clinically proven chronic lateral epicondylitis and 10 elbow joints of healthy controls have been examined on a 1.0 T MR-unit. Criteria for inclusion in the prospective study were: persistent pain and a failed conservative therapy. The MR protocol included STIR sequence, a native, T2-weighted, fat-suppressed TSE sequence, and a Flash-2-D sequence. Also, fat-suppressed, T1-weighted SE sequences before and after administration of Gd-DTPA contrast media have been recorded.


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 epicondilus 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.


CONCLUSIONS
In MR imaging of chronic epicondylitis administration of gadolinium-DTPA does not provide additional information.
Herber
S
S
Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. herber@radiologie.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Kalden
P
P
Kreitner
K F
KF
Riedel
C
C
Rompe
J D
JD
Thelen
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000175:diagnosis*
D003287:Contrast Media; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA