Ultrasonographic manifestations of traumatic neuromas after neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the ultrasonographic manifestations of traumatic neuroma after neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 21 patients with 26 lesions who underwent neck dissection.The ultrasonographic characteristics were reviewed,including numbers,location,size,shape,margin,echogenicity,with or without direct continuity to the nerve fiber,the presence of internal hyperechogenicity and blood supply.Results Among the 26 lesions of 21 patients,25 lesions were in the lateral cervical area while the other one was in the central cervical area.The mean shortest diameter of the lesions was (3.5±1.0)mm and that of longest diameter was (9.1±2.9)mm.Totally 13 lesions were oval in shape and the other 13 were round.The clear margin was found in 13 lesions and fuzzy margin was observed in another 13 lesions.All the lesions were heterogeneously hypoechoic.The presence of internal hyperechoic areas were found in 16 lesions.The direct continuity with the nerve fiber was found in 20 lesions,while the other 6 lesions were not continued to the nerve directly.Color Doppler flow imaging showed that 20 of the 26 lesions existed a little blood flow signal and the other 6 lesions showed no flow signal.During the ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB),21 patients complained about the intolerable serious pain and the pain relieved when the needle removed.Conclusion Traumatic neuromas are hypoecho lesions located in the operation area after neck dissection in PTC with distinctive ultrasonographic features,especially the direct continuity with the nerve fiber,as well as the clinical histories and sharp pain during US-FNAB,which can help to diagnose.