Comparison of MDCTA (16-Slice Multi-Detector Row Computed Tomography Arthrography) and MRA (Magnetic Resonance Arthrography) for Detecting Labral Lesions of the Shoulder

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of 16-slice multi-detector row computed tomographic arthrography (MDCTA) and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) for making the diagnosis and classification of labroligamentous injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a prospective series that used MRA and MDCTA to examine 23 patients who complained of shoulder instability. Two radiologists independently analyzed the MRA and MDCTA. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were calculated from the arthrograms and the arthroscopic findings. The images of MDCTA and MRA corresponded with the findings on arthroscopy. RESULTS: Both imaging modalities had the same sensitivity for detecting Bankart lesions (n=10, 90%) and posterior labral tears (n=2, 50%) on McNemar test (p=1.00). For superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) lesions, 6 MRA cases and 4 MDCTA cases corresponded with the arthroscopic findings. The difference between the sensitivities of MDCTA (66.7%) and MRA (100%) was not significant (p=0.09). CONCLUSION: We suggest that the sensitivity of diagnosing labral lesions that induce shoulder instability is similar for MDCTA and MRA. MDCTA is effective for diagnosing and evaluating shoulder instability.