Adhesive Capsulitis - MSK Radiology Imaging Findings: • Thickened coracohumeral ligament (> 4 mm) • Near circumferential T2-hyperintense pericapsular fluid-like signal consistent with capsular inflammation. Early stage finding. • Thickened axillary pouch/inferior joint capsule (>3-4 mm thickness) with intrinsic edema-like signal suggesting inflammation. • This is the region of the "subcoracoid triangle" which will have loss of fat signal with fibrotic T1-hypointense and T2-hyperintense signal. Triangle of tissue between the coracohumeral ligament, coracoid, and joint capsule. Case description: • Adhesive capsulitis "frozen shoulder" • Fibrosis occurs in the rotator interval with thickened and edematous joint capsule of the axillary recess. • Fluid-like signal around and within the inferior joint capsule AND obliteration of rotator interval fat - THE MOST COMMON findings. • Decreased range of motion from fibrotic capsule. • Arthrogram: small axillary recess volume and limited contrast (<8-10 mL) in joint before extravasation. Differential diagnosis: • Capsular sprain: can look similar on MR with thickened and fluid-like signal in the inferior joint capsule. Results from trauma and usually rotator interval will be normal. Always in differential ifno history. Dr. Donald von Borstel @DrvonBorstel #Adhesive #Capsulitis #frozen #shoulder #clinical #mri #clinical #Radiology #diagnosis #msk
