Prevalence of early radiological signs of adhesive capsulitis in patients with nonspecific symptoms using magnetic resonance imaging

Introduction: Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a common shoulder disorder characterized by pain and progressive limitation of motion. Early clinical presentation may be nonspecific, making magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a valuable tool for early detection. Objective: To determine the prevalence of early imaging findings of AC in patients with nonspecific symptoms, using high-field MRI. Method: A retrospective descriptive study was performed. All patients evaluated between 2022 and 2023, with 18 to 60 years age range, who underwent shoulder MRI (MRS) without specific clinical presentation of AC were included. MRI scans were performed with 1.5 T scanners. Radiological criteria selected for AC, such as glenohumeral synovitis, joint capsule thickening with high signal, rotator cuff interval infiltration, and coracohumeral and inferior glenohumeral ligaments thickening. Results: A total of 2862 MRS scans were selected and 794 patients presented nonspecific AC symptoms; 30% (n = 240) presented early AC signs (106 females and 134 males). The most frequent radiological finding was glenohumeral synovitis, including 188 cases (78%), followed by rotator cuff interval infiltration with 112 (46%), and capsular thickening with 83 (34%). Conclusions: This research shows a high prevalence of AC image findings in patients without AC clinical suspicion. These results highlight the importance of early MRS scan for search radiological signs of AC to enable a correct diagnosis and early treatment, even in the absence of clinical suspicion.