Keywords:
Musculoskeletal system, Musculoskeletal soft tissue, MR, Diagnostic procedure, Tissue characterisation
Authors:
L. Conti, G. Lanni, S. Battisti, A. Conchiglia, A. Barile, C. Masciocchi; L'Aquila/IT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2011/C-0671
Conclusion
The typical MRI finding in patients with myofascitis consists of a focal or diffuse pattern of high signal intensity (“comb-like”) on long-TR fat-suppressed sequences involving musculofascial structures,
related to tissue edema.
MRI allows a correct balance of pathological extension and the individuation of possible subfascial fluid collections. Although MRI is very sensitive in detection of tissue edema,
it is not specific in distinguishing different forms of myopathies.
For that reason when a “comb-like” appearance is present it indicates an aspecific musculofascial inflammatory process.
Definitive diagnosis is not always needed,
because most of these forms need corticosteroid therapy,
indicating that the finding of aspecific myofascitis is usually a sufficient element for the therapeutic choice.
On the other hand,
when histological diagnosis is needed,
MRI helps to plan biopsy properly.
In conclusion,
MRI can be considered the best imaging technique to be used both for diagnosis and follow-up of myopathies which should be always suspected,
especially in patients with atypical clinical features.