Posterior capsule edema in adhesive capsulitis: comparison with established non-contrast MRI findings and multivariable analysis

Objectives To evaluate posterior glenohumeral capsule edema compared to other MRI findings in adhesive capsulitis (AC). Methods This study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board and it is HIPAA compliant. A retrospective search identified subjects who received fluoroscopically guided intra-articular corticosteroid injections for AC and had an MRI within 6 months prior to injection. The study group was compared with an age-, sex-, and side-matched control group who underwent the same procedures but did not have AC. MRIs were evaluated for edema of posterior capsule, anterior capsule, axillary pouch, coracohumeral ligament (CHL) and rotator interval (RI), thickness of axillary pouch and CHL, thickness of anterior capsule, RI and subcoracoid fat replacement, and teres minor atrophy and edema. Multivariable analysis was performed. Results A total of 57 subjects with AC and 57 matched controls were studied: mean age 52 ± 7 (range 31–71) years, 37 female and 20 male, 22 right and 35 left. Posterior capsule edema was more common in the AC group vs. control group (66.7 vs 17.5%, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed posterior capsule edema, CHL edema, and axillary pouch (glenoid) thickness (optimum cutoff = 4 mm) were significant independent predictors of AC. Simplified analysis using these three variables had an area under the curve of 0.860 (95%CI: 0.792–0.928). With all three variables present, the sensitivity and specificity for AC were 32% and 98%, respectively. Conclusions Posterior joint capsule edema may be helpful to confirm AC. Posterior capsule edema, CHL edema, and axillary pouch (glenoid) thickness produce a strong model for distinguishing AC from controls. Clinical relevance statement Edema involving the posterior shoulder joint capsule is an imaging marker of capsulitis and is useful in differentiating patients with adhesive capsulitis from those without in conjunction with other proven MRI findings. Key Points • Posterior capsule edema has a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 82.5% for the detection of adhesive capsulitis. • Posterior capsule edema, coracohumeral ligament (CHL) edema, and axillary pouch (glenoid) thickness were significant independent predictors of adhesive capsulitis, and combining these variables together produces a very strong model for distinguishing cases from controls (AUC = 0.860). • Optimal cutoff values for CHL, axillary pouch (humeral), axillary pouch (glenoid), and axillary pouch (total) thickness were 2.5, 2.6, 4, and 6.3 mm , respectively.