[Hyperechoic rotator cuff tendon tear].
OBJECTIVE
To describe unusual rotator cuff tendon tears which are hyperechoic at ultrasonography (US).


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the shoulder US examinations of 100 patients with rotator cuff tear demonstrated by CT arthrogram with bursography. We included in this study hyperechoic foci without surrounding hypoechoic zone. A second US examination was performed after bursal distension.


RESULTS
Six (6%) hyperechoic foci were detected. The initial US diagnosis was tendinosis in five cases (n=5) and full thickness tear in one case (n=1). At repeat US examination, the hyperechoic area was completely or partially hypoechoic, probably because the tears were filled with the injected hypoechoic fluid.


CONCLUSIONS
Some rotator cuff tears, filled with fibrinoid fragments, are probably underdiagnosed at US.
Fermand
M
M
Service de Radiologie B, CHU Cochin, 27 rue du Fg St-Jacques, 27 rue du faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris.
Sihassen
C
C
Mauget
D
D
Sarazin
L
L
Chevrot
A
A
Drapé
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D001175:Arthrography; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography