Abstract
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the value of color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) in the diagnosis of glomus tumors in the extremities.MethodsSonography results of 62 nodules of 50 patients with glomus tumors in the extremities confirmed by surgery and pathology were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsThe sex ratio in the group of 50 patients was (female:male) = 5.25:1. Glomus tumors were more common in women aged 30–40 years. 84 % (42/50) of glomus tumors occurred in the fingers, with the thumb being the most common. 2D results showed that 64.52 % (40/62) of 62 nodules were hypoechoic, 30.65 % (19/62) were heterogeneous echo, 4.84 % (3/62) were hyperechoic; 64.52 % (40/62) had a clear border, while 35.48 % (22/62) had an unclear border. CDFI showed that 38.71 % (24/62) had visible rich blood in the tumor, 35.48 % (22/62) had little visible blood in the tumor, and 25.81 % (16/62) had no significant intratumoral blood flow. Of the 50 patients, 92 % (46/50) showed a fixed contact pain, were sensitive to cold stimuli, which was improved by hot water and air, and for which anti-inflammatory treatment was ineffective.ConclusionGlomus tumors in the extremities had certain ultrasound features, and its internal blood flow was diverse. Understanding this feature may be helpful for the diagnosis of non-typical glomus tumors.
Highlights
Glomus tumor was a rare benign soft tissue, originated in systemic fine glomus in arteriovenous anastomoses, which can occur in the limbs, trunk, neck, and internal organs; it was more common in the limbs (Dalrymple et al 1997)
Owing to the low incidence, inadequate clinical knowledge, and high misdiagnosis rate (Sun et al 1996), some scholars believed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had a distinct advantage in the diagnosis of glomus tumors; because of its high cost, it was difficult to promote (Jablon et al 1990; Dalrymple et al 1997; Al-Qattan et al 2005; Takemura et al 2006)
Preoperative color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) of 62 nodules of 50 patients with glomus tumors in the extremities confirmed by surgery and pathology during January 2012 and October 2014 were analyzed retrospectively to discuss the diagnostic value of CDFI in glomus tumors in the extremities
Summary
Glomus tumor was a rare benign soft tissue, originated in systemic fine glomus in arteriovenous anastomoses, which can occur in the limbs, trunk, neck, and internal organs; it was more common in the limbs (Dalrymple et al 1997). Owing to the low incidence, inadequate clinical knowledge, and high misdiagnosis rate (Sun et al 1996), some scholars believed that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had a distinct advantage in the diagnosis of glomus tumors; because of its high cost, it was difficult to promote (Jablon et al 1990; Dalrymple et al 1997; Al-Qattan et al 2005; Takemura et al 2006). With the improvement of resolution, high–frequency ultrasound can clearly show the characteristics of the tumor in real time, but can accurately locate
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