Presentation
Chronic shoulder pain.
Patient Data
Dense globular calcification superior and lateral to the humeral head along the course of the supraspinatus tendon.
The visualized calcification is seen as a low signal structure in all pulse sequences, involving the distal aspect of the supraspinatus tendon, which is seen thickened and reflecting intrasubstance degenerative fluid signal. There is also degenerative subcortical cystic changes at the humeral head.
Additionally, the anterior glenoid labrum is blunted and small in size raising the suspicion of labral injury.
Case Discussion
Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff is a self-limiting pathology affecting the rotator cuff muscles, most commonly the supraspinatus tendon. It usually appear globular shaped and affects middle aged patient's with slight female predilection (to be differentiated from degenerative calcifications that are more common in older age and appear linear and sharp.