Different sonographic presentations of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

BACKROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a low-grade spindle cell sarcoma of fibroblastic origin. This tumor originates in the dermis and infiltrates the subcutaneous tissue. The highest incidence occurs in the third and fourth decades of life, affecting most frequently the trunk and proximal extremities. Ultrasound is performed in those cases where the clinical appearance of the lesion is not typical and when the physician wants to determine the extent and depth of the lesion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the ultrasound and demographic findings of thirteen patients with DFSP. RESULTS: 13 patients, 8 females and 5 males, aged from 2 months to 58 years old. One patient with two different separated synchronous tumors. On ultrasonography they compromised the dermal hypodermal layers in 93% of the cases and 1 dermal lesion. The compromise reached the aponeurotic plane in two cases. The sized varied from 5 to 38 mm. They presented as a well-defined hypoechogenic nodule in seven cases (50%). In three cases (21%) they presented as a hypoechogenic infiltrate ill-defined border solid lesion; in two cases as a plaque ill-defined lesion, and two cases as a pseudonodular inflammatory lesion with irregular borders. All lesions appeared vascularized on color Doppler imaging. CONCLUSION: DFSP is a low grade sarcoma of fibroblastic origin, that usually arises in the dermis and infiltrates the subcutaneous tissue. The clinical presentations are variable. On ultrasound we found different patterns: well-defined hypoechogenic solid nodule, hypoechogenic infiltrate ill-defined border solid lesion, plaque ill-defined lesion, and pseudonodular inflammatory lesion. It is important to know and recognize this suspicious different ultrasound presentations in order to recommend a histological study.

Granuloma annulare on ultrasound: a diagnosis to consider in pediatric skin lesions.

BACKGROUND: Granuloma annulare (GA) is a rare, benign, inflammatory, self-limited, granulomatous dermatosis that affects children and young adults. The most frequent clinical form is localized GA. Deep GA generally presents as painless palpable subcutaneous nodules in the lower extremities, buttocks, hands and scalp. They may have a fast-growing firm subcutaneous mass presentation, mimicking a malignant lesion which requires an imaging evaluation. Diagnosis of deep GA can be more difficult and imaging evaluation is frequently performed, ultrasound being one of the techniques used. OBJECTIVE: To describe the US characteristics of GA in a pediatric series. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Descriptive, retrospective, 14-year study of all pediatrics GA cases. RESULTS: Twelve pediatric cases with GA. 66% females. The lesions were mainly distributed in the extremities: 50% in the lower extremities and 42% in the upper extremities, mostly with multiple lesions. A total of 45 lesions were analyzed, 8 superficial lesions and 37 deep lesions. On ultrasound, the superficial GA corresponded to hypoechoic poorly defined solid plaque like or nodular lesions, located in the dermal-epidermal plane. The deep GA presented as solid nodular, poorly defined hypoechoic lesions that compromised the deep subcutaneous-aponeurotic plane. CONCLUSION: GA is an inflammatory lesion that presents as a superficial or deep palpable nodule that predominantly affects children. Superficial and deep GA present characteristic findings on US that can guide the diagnosis. The radiologist needs to know its US appearance to be able to suggest the diagnosis, especially in multiples lesions.

Ultrasonographic Spectrum of Cutaneous Cysts With Stratified Squamous Epithelium in Pediatric Dermatology: Pictorial Essay.

High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) is an important diagnostic method in dermatology, especially in pediatric population. The most common type of cutaneous cysts in children corresponds to cysts with stratified squamous epithelium (CSSE). The objective is to present the different ultrasonographic appearance of histologically proven CSSE in a retrospective review. Epidermoid, milium, trichilemmal, dermoid, and pilonidal cyst and steatocystomas are included. Utility of HRUS in diagnosis of cutaneous lesions is well established. It is important to know-and stay updated-about the wide spectrum of ultrasonographic appearance of CSSE in order to avoid misleading diagnoses.

Herniated superficial lipomas in gluteal and thigh support areas: a special clinical ultrasound presentation.

BACKGROUND: Lipomas are the most frequent benign tumor. They have been described as soft, well-defined, slow-growing palpable masses, and classified as deep or superficial. PURPOSE: To present the clinical and ultrasound findings of herniated superficial subcutaneous lipoma (HSL), located in pressure/support areas, not previously described. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A seven-year retrospective review was performed. Patients with a preoperative high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) diagnosis of HSL archived in the computational system and histological study information were selected. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients (mean age = 46 years) were recruited. The clinical diagnoses were "lipoma" or "suspected lipoma" in just 46% of the cases. This was three times more frequent in women. Tumors were located mainly in the gluteal (38%) and proximal thigh areas (35%). Clinically, all patients showed small, soft, rounded skin nodules. On HRUS, they appear as lipomatous tumors that protruded, compressed, and thinned the covering dermal layer. The subcutaneous portion was bigger than the herniated part, with an iceberg image. CONCLUSION: HSL in support areas have a special clinical ultrasound presentation, not previously described. It is important to recognize them for a proper diagnosis and treatment, especially because they clinically may present as small superficial lesions; however, they are associated with a larger subcutaneous portion (iceberg image). It is probable that an estrogen influence on the adipose tissue can be suspected because of the female predominance.

Recognizing the Ultrasound Patterns of Mesenteric Panniculitis.

ABSTRACT: Mesenteric panniculitis (MP) is a rare, benign, and nonspecific chronic fibrosing inflammation of the mesenteric adipose tissue. Abdominal pain is the most frequent presentation.The objective was to recognize ultrasound (US) features in MP. A retrospective 9-year review of computed tomography- (CT) or US-diagnosed cases of MP recorded in the radiology department was performed. The inclusion criteria included an US recorded in PACS imaging data base within 10 days before CT, to compare and evaluate the correlation of MP diagnosis.The prevalence of MP on CT was 2.8%. The 120 selected patients had an abdominal US 10 days before CT. Male-to-female ratio was 4:1. Fifty-three percent of MP was suggested by US. The US finding was increased volume with fatty mass in the mesentery root (98%). The fatty mesenteric mass had oval shape or convex anterior border in 94%, central abdominal location in 91%, and focal mesenteric increased echogenicity in 95%. Lateral bowel loop displacement was observed in 59%. Detection of lymph nodes was less frequent (55%).In conclusion, MP is an entity to be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain. Knowledge and recognition of the US findings of MP and central abdominal compression may improve detection during the abdominal US examination.

Multifocal capillary malformation with segmental distribution and central atrophy: A case in a 12-year-old girl.

We present a 12-year-old girl with multiple geographic capillary malformations in a segmental distribution over the left trunk and arm that were present at birth and evolved over years with ulceration, atrophy, and subsequent scarring. Our case is clinically consistent with the recently described entity "multifocal capillary malformation with segmental distribution and central atrophy." To our knowledge, our patient is the oldest reported to date.

Auricular Pseudocyst: Sonographic Appearance in 17 Patients.

ABSTRACT: Auricular pseudocyst (AP) is a rare benign condition that corresponds to an intracartilaginous collection resulting in a noninflammatory cystic swelling of the ear.The objective is to describe ultrasound and clinical presentation of histologically proven AP.An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved a 6-year retrospective study. Patients with an auricular pseudocyst were selected. Fifty-nine percent of the cases were referred with clinical suspicion of AP. One hundred percent were men, and in 76% of the cases, AP was located in the scaphoid fossa. The mean age was 35 years (76% from 20 to 50 years).Unilateral lesion was present in 94% of the cases. A single lesion was found in 88% and multiple lesions in 12%. On high-resolution ultrasound increased thickness of the cartilage was observed in all patients with a cystic lesion inside the cartilage. Fifty-nine percent of the cases were totally anechoic. The other presented echoes or septa inside the cystic lesion.In conclusion high-resolution ultrasound allows to study the exact anatomic involvement of the cartilage and the surrounding tissues. The auricular pseudocyst presented a characteristic ultrasound finding permitting an adequate early diagnosis and monitoring treatment. Knowledge of this pathology and the sonographic finding is important for a correct diagnosis.

Radioiodine-Induced Salivary Gland Damage Detected by Ultrasonography in Patients Treated for Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Radioactive Iodine Activity and Risk.

Background: An important side effect of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy in patients treated for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is chronic sialadenitis. Neck ultrasonography (US) easily recognizes radioiodine-induced salivary gland abnormalities. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of US-detected sialadenitis caused by RAI and to identify the risk factors associated with this damage. Methods: This nonconcurrent cohort study includes all PTC-operated patients who were treated with RAI between 2007 and 2017 and were systematically evaluated with preoperative and follow-up neck US that included targeted exploration of the major salivary glands. Patients with pre-existing salivary gland diseases were excluded. The anatomical damage (diminished glandular volume, wavy contours, hypoechogenicity, and heterogeneity) was qualitatively assessed and compared with the preoperative study. RAI activity, sex, age, and preparation method were evaluated as risk factors using univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression. Results: Enrolled in this study were 570 patients who received a median RAI activity of 3700 MBq (100 mCi). On US, we found 143 patients (25.1%) with damage in at least one of their salivary glands: all had parotid damage (77 bilaterally) and 14 (9.8%) also had submandibular gland damage (7 of them bilaterally). The multivariate analysis indicated that the risk of sialadenitis was significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with both RAI activity and sex (14.1% of males vs. 28.5% of females). However, the main risk factor was RAI activity; no injury was detected in 156 patients who received 1110 MBq (30 mCi) and 1850 MBq (50 mCi) of RAI. In the groups of patients receiving 3700 MBq (100 mCi), 5550 MBq (150 mCi) and ≥7400 MBq (≥200 mCi), atrophy was found in 21%, 46.9%, and 77.7% of patients, respectively. Age and preparation method were not related to an increased risk of atrophy in this study. Conclusions: Chronic sialadenitis is common and affects approximately one fourth of patients who receive 3700 MBq (100 mCi) or higher RAI activity. The main risk factor for this injury is the total RAI activity administered. By using the lowest effective activity possible, irreversible anatomical damage in salivary glands can be minimized. US is an excellent tool to diagnose post-RAI atrophy.

Images in Scalp Ultrasound Before and After Hair Transplant in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia.

ABSTRACT: Primary cicatricial alopecias are inflammatory scalp conditions that may lead to permanent hair loss and severe alopecia. Frontal fibrosing alopecia is one of the most frequent etiologies of primary cicatricial alopecias. Hair transplant could be a therapeutic option.High-resolution ultrasound (US) is an imaging technique useful for evaluating scalp with adequate differentiation of the skin layers. Also, hair follicles are visualized.The objectives are present presurgical and posttransplant scalp US studies on hair transplant.Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a chronic entity that can progress to extensive irreversible alopecia. Hair transplant is a surgical option. On US, the hair follicles are visualized as thin hypoechoic lines. With Doppler color imaging, it is possible to evaluate vascularization. In this experience, we can observe the follicles of the compromised area before and after the hair transplant and the depth of the implanted follicles.In conclusion, US impresses as a promissory technique for the imaging of hair transplant. More experience is necessary for a better approach of these findings.

Multimodality Imaging of Congenital Variants in the Gallbladder: Pictorial Essay.

Congenital variants of the gallbladder development are infrequent and sometimes represent an asymptomatic imaging finding. In this case series, we want to present multimodality imaging findings that permit the diagnosis. Ultrasound, multidetector computed tomography, and magnetic resonance images are included.The proper recognition of these infrequent congenital benign entities avoids unnecessary complementary examinations and misdiagnosis. Although ultrasound represents the most commonly used initial diagnostic tool, the increased use of magnetic resonance imaging and the wide use of multidetector computed tomography make it crucial to know how these entities are seen.A retrospective review of cases of congenital variants of gallbladder through different imaging modalities was performed in our computer archives. Representative images were selected. Agenesis, hypoplasia, septated, duplicated, intrahepatic, and left-sided gallbladder are described.Better understanding and recognition of congenital anomalies in gallbladder images will avoid misdiagnosis.

Thyroid Microcalcifications in the Absence of Identifiable Nodules and Their Association With Thyroid Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To determine ultrasound (US) and clinical findings of thyroid microcalcifications in the absence of a nodule and their association with the risk of malignancy. METHODS: The Institutional Review Board approved a 5-year retrospective study. Twenty-one patients with clustered or scattered thyroid microcalcifications in the absence of nodules on US images who underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) were included. Demographic and clinical data, US findings, and pathologic results were registered. Patients with a suspicion of malignancy or papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) on FNAB underwent thyroidectomy. Patients with benign results on FNAB underwent clinical and US surveillance. RESULTS: The mean age of the 21 patients was 33.2 years (29.5 years in patients with PTC patients and 39.4 years in those with benign findings; P = .034). Eleven of 21 patients had clustered microcalcifications (9 had cancer), and 10 of 21 patients had scattered microcalcifications (4 of 10 had cancer; P = 0.063). Sixty-two percent of the patients had FNAB findings that were suspicious for cancer or had a diagnosis of cancer. Eleven of 13 patients had surgical thyroidectomy performed in our institution; in all cases, Hashimoto thyroiditis was confirmed. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only age was significant (odds ratio, 0.9; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the presence of thyroid microcalcifications without a nodule is suspicious for PTC. We found that both patterns were suspicious for PTC, particularly in young patients. Special concern arises for those clustered microcalcifications on a background of Hashimoto thyroiditis.

Sonographic Diagnosis of Periorbital Dermoid Cyst.

Periorbital dermoid cysts occur mainly in children. Sonography is useful for the noninvasive, nonionizing evaluation of soft tissue lesions in infants and children without requiring sedation or anesthesia. We report the sonographic appearance of 25 periorbital dermoid cysts and identified that all are avascular oval lesions located below the aponeurotic plane. Nonaggressive bone remodeling was present in 52% of the cases. These finding in pediatric periorbital lesions are highly suspicious of a periorbital dermoid cyst.

Prospective validation of the ultrasound based TIRADS (Thyroid Imaging Reporting And Data System) classification: results in surgically resected thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVE: To assess performance of TIRADS classification on a prospective surgical cohort, demonstrating its clinical usefulness. METHODS: Between June 2009 and October 2012, patients assessed with pre-operative ultrasound (US) were included in this IRB-approved study. Nodules were categorised according to our previously described TIRADS classification. Final pathological diagnosis was obtained from the thyroidectomy specimen. Sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values and likelihood ratios were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 210 patients with 502 nodules (average: 2.39 (±1.64) nodules/patient). Median size was 7 mm (3-60 mm). Malignancy was 0 % (0/116) in TIRADS 2, 1.79 % (1/56) in TIRADS 3, 76.13 % (185/243) in TIRADS 4 [subgroups: TIRADS 4A 5.88 % (1/17), TIRADS 4B 62.82 % (49/78), TIRADS 4C 91.22 % (135/148)], and 98.85 % (86/87) in TIRADS 5. With a cut-off point at TIRADS 4-5 to perform FNAB, we obtained: sensitivity 99.6 % (95 % CI: 98.9-100.0), specificity 74.35 % (95 % CI: 68.7-80.0), PPV 82.1 % (95 % CI: 78.0-86.3), NPV 99.4 % (95 % CI: 98.3-100.0), PLR 3.9 (95 % CI: 3.6-4.2) and an NLR 0.005 (95 % CI: 0.003-0.04) for malignancy. CONCLUSION: US-based TIRADS classification allows selection of nodules requiring FNAB and recognition of those with a low malignancy risk. KEY POINTS: • TIRADS classification allows accurate selection of thyroid nodules requiring biopsy (TIRADS 4-5). • The recognition of benign/possibly benign patterns can avoid unnecessary procedures. • This classification and its sonographic patterns are validated using surgical specimens.

Fibrolipomatous hamartoma and its ultrasound diagnosis: case series and review of the literature.

Fibrolipomatous hamartoma is a benign tumor mainly affecting peripheral nerves. It is characterized by abnormal growth of fibroadipose tissue within the nerve, leading to progressive compressive neuropathies. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most frequent among them. Although it is considered an infrequent tumor, magnetic resonance imaging use has led to an increase in case reports. We present 3 clinical cases of fibrolipomatous hamartoma consulting due to soft tissue mass, which were diagnosed by ultrasound.

Finger chondroid syringoma as a hypoechoic subcutaneous nodule in ultrasound.

Chondroid syringoma (CS) is an uncommon, benign epithelial skin mixed tumor. It is often located in the head and neck and is unusual in other parts of the body. It may be seen as a skin or soft tissue tumor. We present findings on high-resolution ultrasound and histology in a case of benign CS located on the right index finger. High-resolution ultrasound showed a solid hypoechoic, well-defined subcutaneous mass, adjacent to the tendon. Complete surgical excision was performed, and histopathology demonstrated an apocrine mixed tumor (CS). Although CS histological findings are well described, radiological features have been reported only in few cases and mainly in magnetic resonance. Chondroid syringoma should be suspected by high-resolution ultrasound as a differential diagnosis for a solid slow-growing soft tissue nodule in a finger, especially if the lesion has no contact with the underlying tendon.

[Porphyria cutanea tarda, hemosiderosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: report of one case]. / Hepatocarcinoma, porfiria y hemosiderosis. Una asociación no reportada en nuestro país: Caso clínico.

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a hereditary or acquired disease. It can be unleashed by iron overload, alcohol, estrogens and other conditions. In these patients, hepatic involvement can be associated to cirrhosis, iron overload or C and B viral infections, that are predisposing factors for hepatocellular carcinoma. We report a 69-year-old man with PTC, hemosiderosis and hepatocarcinoma. The tumor was diagnosed during a routine ultrasound examination for early detection of malignant lesions. The patient was subjected to a right hepatic excision. The pathological examination of the surgical piece confirmed the diagnosis and disclosed free surgical margins. After 18 months of follow up, the patient had a relapse and a liver transplantation was performed.