THE US, CT AND MR FINDINGS OF CUBITAL BURSITIS - A REPORT OF 5 CASES

Objective. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the appearance of ''cubital bursitis'' on ultrasonography and CT and MR imaging. ''Cubit al bursitis'' is a rare pathological condition involving a large swell ing of the bicipito-radial or interosseous bursae located at the inser tion of the distal biceps tendon on the radial tuberosity. Design and patients. We report on five patients with ''cubital bursitis'' resulti ng from their work or sporting activities, All patients underwent an u ltra sound and MR examination, CT scans were performed on two patients before and after contrast enhancement. Results. Ultrasound studies sh owed a fusiform anechoic or hypoechoic lesion. CT image showed the les ions but there were some difficulties in determining the exact extent of the bursae. MR imaging showed the enlarged bursae and their fluid c ontent. Four patients each underwent a surgical procedure. Conclusion. Ultrasound and CT were effective in the evaluation of ''cubital bursi tis'', but with some diagnostic difficulties. MR imaging is probably t he method of choice for determining both the development of the bursae and their fluid content.