前上腕回旋動脈の血流は肩関節の滑膜炎症を反映する

Background: We hypothesized that blood flow in the anterior humeral circumflex artery would reflect synovial inflammation in the shoulder. Methods: Forty-one patients with shoulder disorders (rotator cuff tear, frozen shoulder, and osteoarthritis) were evaluated. Blood flow in the anterior humeral circumflex artery was measured using Doppler ultrasonography. Synovial inflammation was assessed by MRI signal intensity and arthroscopic findings. Results: Blood flow in the anterior humeral circumflex artery was significantly correlated with synovial inflammation scores on MRI (r=0.68, P<0.001) and arthroscopic grading (r=0.71, P<0.001). Patients with frozen shoulder showed the highest blood flow values. Conclusions: Anterior humeral circumflex artery blood flow measured by Doppler ultrasonography is a reliable non-invasive marker of synovial inflammation in shoulder disorders.