Diagnostic performance of long head of biceps tendon tears on MRI: systematic review and meta-analysis

ConclusionMRI is highly specific for the diagnosis of complete tears of the LHBT, whereas diagnostic sensitivity was more heterogeneous. The diagnosis of partial tears and/or tendinosis of the LHBT remains challenging on MRI, which may warrant complementary clinical examination or other imaging modalities to increase diagnostic confidence in equivocal cases.Clinical relevance statementConventional MRI and MR arthrography have high diagnostic performance for complete tendon tear when compared to arthroscopy. The diagnosis of tendinosis/partial tears remains challenging and may require comparison with clinical tests and other imaging modalities.Key Points•There is no clear consensus regarding the primary imaging modality for the evaluation of LHBT disorders.•Conventional MRI and MR arthrography are highly specific in diagnosing complete tears of the LHBT.•Diagnosis of partial tears/tendinosis of the LHBT on conventional MRI and MR arthrography remains a diagnostic challenge.

Source: European Radiology - December 27, 2023 Category: Radiology Source Type: research