3356: Ultrasound imaging of soft tissue masses

Abstract

Objectives: To demonstrate the role of ultrasonography in characterizing soft tissue masses.Methods: Sixty-two patients (29 males, 33 females, mean age 41 years) were examined with high-frequency (9–14 MHz) ultrasound. There was no mass identified in scales. Fifty-seven examinations were positive for the presence of a soft tissue mass (11 lipomas, eight ganglia, seven Baker’s cysts, six bursitis, three meniscal cysts, four hemangiomas, three hematomas, two abscesses, two Morton’s neuromas, two lymph nodes, one localized PVNS, one thrombosed superficial vein, one muscle hernia, one chondrosarcoma, one synovial sarcoma, one plantar fibromatosis and one foreign body with associated fibrous reaction).Results: Ultrasound is the method of choice for defining the cystic nature of a mass. It is extremely sensitive in depicting calcification and much information about its vascularity can be obtained through color Doppler or power Doppler. Anatomic relations can be clarified. In addition, a number of distinct soft tissue masses show characteristic appearances.Conclusions: Ultrasound confirms the presence of a soft tissue mass and represents an excellent initial imaging approach. Objectives: To demonstrate the role of ultrasonography in characterizing soft tissue masses. Methods: Sixty-two patients (29 males, 33 females, mean age 41 years) were examined with high-frequency (9–14 MHz) ultrasound. There was no mass identified in scales. Fifty-seven examinations were positive for the presence of a soft tissue mass (11 lipomas, eight ganglia, seven Baker’s cysts, six bursitis, three meniscal cysts, four hemangiomas, three hematomas, two abscesses, two Morton’s neuromas, two lymph nodes, one localized PVNS, one thrombosed superficial vein, one muscle hernia, one chondrosarcoma, one synovial sarcoma, one plantar fibromatosis and one foreign body with associated fibrous reaction). Results: Ultrasound is the method of choice for defining the cystic nature of a mass. It is extremely sensitive in depicting calcification and much information about its vascularity can be obtained through color Doppler or power Doppler. Anatomic relations can be clarified. In addition, a number of distinct soft tissue masses show characteristic appearances. Conclusions: Ultrasound confirms the presence of a soft tissue mass and represents an excellent initial imaging approach.