Value of ultrasonography in diagnosing peripheral intraneural vascular anomalies

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the value of ultrasonography in diagnosing peripheral intraneural vascular anomalies. Methods The ultrasonographic images of 10 patients with peripheral intraneural vascular anomalies confirmed by surgery or pathology were retrospectively analyzed. The ultrasonographic features were summarized. Results The ultrasonographic images could not only clearly show the location, involvement and blood supply of peripheral intraneural vascular anomalies, but also determined the classification of them. Ultrasonography showed enlarging nerves, within which tubular structures could be observed, and the boundary between the vascular malformations and the perineurium was not clear. Abundant arteriovenous blood flow (arteriovenous malformation) or low velocity venous blood flow (venous malformation) within the vascular anomalies could be detected by color Doppler examination. Conclusions Ultrasonography is the preferred imaging method for diagnosis of peripheral intraneural vascular anomalies. Key words: Ultrasonography, Dopper, color; Peripheral nerve; Vascular malformations