Case Studies
on the use of
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Biceps Tendon Tear

Oscar Blabagno, Jr., RT(R)(MR) and A. Vaidya, M.D.
Comprehensive Medical Imaging
Victorville, CA USA

Clinical Case Overview:
44 year old male with a history of left elbow/bicep pain.

Case Study
The patient was injured at work pulling heavy equipment. Due to the patient's large body size (280lbs.), the patient was referred to our center for Open MRI. Utilizing the 9" General Purpose circular coil for adequate coverage of the elbow and biceps tendon, the area of interest was placed directly isocenter.
The tendon and medial head of the biceps are seen to be retracted superiorly and curled indicating complete tear of the biceps tendon. Edema is also seen in the course of the tendon extending to the level of the proximal ulna. There is deformity and increased signal in the extensor tendon complex. Its insertion into the radial head is suggestive of strain or partial tear. Small effusion as well as mild degenerative joint disease is also noted.

(Click images for a full size view)
Figure 1: T2 FRSE Coronal Oblique	Figure 2: T2 FRSE Coronal Oblique

The Sagittal STIR images are most helpful for detecting the level of the tear and localizing tendon ends.

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Figure 3: Fast IR Sagittal oblique images showing retraction of the tendon and surrounding edema	Figure 4: Fast IR Sagittal oblique images showing retraction of the tendon and surrounding edema
Figure 5: Fast IR Axials	Figure 6: Fast

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