三阴乳腺癌磁共振成像表现特征研究(附32例分析)

目的探讨三阴乳腺癌的磁共振成像特征。方法回顾分析2013年2月~2014年10月在我院手术并且病理及免疫组化证实为三阴乳腺癌患者32例共34个病灶,其中乳腺浸润性导管癌25例,乳腺小叶癌2例,乳腺导管内癌2例,乳腺浸润性微乳头状癌1例,乳腺髓样癌1例,粘液纤维肉瘤1例。所有病例手术前均接受乳腺MRI检查,根据BIRADS标准,评价MRI图像,分别分析肿块形态、边缘、及强化方式,并测量大小、ADC值及TCI曲线。结果 32例共34个三阴乳腺癌病灶,90.6%(29/32)为单发病灶,6.3%(2/32)为多发病灶,3.1%(1/32)为不规则形;64.7%(22/34)病灶边缘较光滑,35.3%(12/34)边缘不规则、略有分叶;76.5%(26/34)表现为环形强化,23.5%(8/34)为非环形强化;70.6%(24/34)为TCI-Ⅲ型,TCI-Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型各为14.7%(5/34)。结论乳腺MRI检查能较全面的反映病灶的特征,MRI表现为边缘较光滑的单灶肿块并伴有环形强化,对三阴乳腺癌的诊断有重要意义。     

非钙化性乳腺导管原位癌的超声诊断(附36例分析)

目的研究非钙化性原位乳腺导管癌(DCIS)的超声图像特征,探讨超声诊断乳腺原位导管癌的临床价值。方法回顾性分析经病理学证实的36例非钙化性DCIS的超声影像,总结超声图像特征。结果 29例(81%)超声成像显示肿块型,7例(19%)显示为非肿块性病灶。29例肿块的超声成像表现为多样性,其中25例形态不规则(占86%),4例(14%)显示边界不清; 9例(31%)肿块出现成角和毛刺样改变,6例为非纵向生长肿块(占21%),26例患者出现肿块内血流信号,2例病灶边缘示低回声晕征,纵横比1的23例。结论非钙化性DCIS的超声图像表现有较明显的特征,与浸润性癌相似,可以成为非钙化性DCIS的筛查、诊断的影像学方法,具有一定临床意义。     

乳腺髓样癌的X线表现--与病理对照并与纤维腺瘤鉴别

目的　评价乳腺X线片鉴别髓样癌与纤维腺瘤以及鉴别典型髓样癌与不典型髓样癌的可能性。资料与方法　回顾性分析乳腺髓样癌 2 7例 ,纤维腺瘤 34例 ,观察X线片表现 ,并与病理进行对照。结果　乳腺髓样癌与纤维腺瘤均以无钙化的肿块常见 ,各占 78%和 74 %。髓样癌为高密度肿块 (19/2 5 ) ,纤维腺瘤多为等密度肿块 (19/2 8) ,两者有显著性差异 (P =0 .0 0 1) ;髓样癌边缘多呈浸润性或小分叶状改变 (2 3/2 5 ) ,而纤维腺瘤表现或为边缘清晰 ,或呈某一投照位置边缘清晰、而另一位置不能见肿块的特殊改变 (2 5 /2 8) ,两者有显著性差异 (P <0 .0 0 1)。 2 7例髓样癌中 ,9例为不典型髓样癌 ,典型髓样癌与不典型髓样癌在肿块形状 (P =0 .6 70 )、边缘 (P =0 .394 )及密度(P =0 .6 37)改变上无明显差异。结论　乳腺髓样癌的X线表现有一定的特征 ,与其病理基础密切相关 ,可与纤维腺瘤作出鉴别。髓样癌病理上又可分为典型髓样癌与不典型髓样癌 ,两者在X线片上无法鉴别     

化生性乳腺癌的影像学诊断研究

目的探讨化生性乳腺癌超声、乳腺X线摄影、磁共振的影像学表现。方法在本院乳腺疾病诊治中心接受手术治疗,病理证实为化生性乳腺癌的女性40例患者,共40个病灶。所有病灶术前都进行了超声检查,其中,27个病灶进行了乳腺X线摄影检查,28个病灶进行了增强磁共振检查。结果 40例化生性癌包括鳞状细胞癌30例,腺鳞癌2例,伴间叶组织化生性癌6例,混合性化生性癌1例,肌上皮癌1例。最常见的超声表现为不规则形团块(90%),水平位生长(90%),边缘成角(65%),内部呈低回声(53%)或囊实性混合性回声(45%),后方回声无改变(45%)或后方回声增强(30%),团块内部无钙化(53%)或细点状钙化(40%)。最常见的乳腺X线摄影表现为高密度不规则的团块影(96%),边缘模糊(54%)。最常见的增强磁共振表现为不规则团块(96%),边缘毛刺状(46%)。病灶强化后表现为不均匀强化团块(71%),TIC曲线以流出型为主(86%)。结论乳腺化生性癌乳腺在超声、乳腺X线摄影、增强磁共振检查中的表现具有一定的特征性。     

乳腺神经内分泌肿瘤的超声表现与病理对照分析

目的 探讨乳腺神经内分泌肿瘤(NEN)的超声检查声像图表现，并与病理结果对照分析，以提高其认识和诊断符合率。方法 选取本院经超声检查与病理证实为NEN患者25例，分析其术前超声图像、病理及临床资料，对照病理表现总结其超声图像特征。结果 25例患者病灶中，右侧乳腺16例，左侧乳腺9例，单发病灶20例，一侧多发病灶5例。超声表现形态不规则22例，圆形或椭圆形3例；边界不清14例，边界清晰11例；边缘呈分叶状16例，毛刺蟹足样6例，规整3例；内部呈混合回声13例，低回声12例；后方回声无变化16例，后方回声增强8例，后方回声衰减1例；肿瘤内部可见钙化4例；术前提示腋窝淋巴结肿大10例，病理证实为淋巴结转移9例(1例术前同时伴有肋骨、肺、颅内转移),1例病理阴性，另有1例超声检查未发现转移淋巴结，病理诊断腋窝淋巴结存在微转移；CDFI显示病灶内0～Ⅰ级血流16例，Ⅱ～Ⅲ级9例。结论 乳腺NEN多表现为混合回声或实性低回声团块，形态多不规则，边界清晰或不清，边缘不规整，CDFI可见有血流显示。超声检查结合临床资料及病理对照分析，可以提高其诊断率，为临床确定治疗方案提供参考价值。     

彩色多普勒超声对乳腺髓样癌的鉴别诊断价值

目的 探讨乳腺髓样癌的超声表现及临床特征.方法 回顾性分析1 997年～2012年经手术病理证实的乳腺髓样癌12例,术前进行超声检查,术后病理诊断、免疫组化检测,并随机选择同期浸润性导管癌120例进行对比分析.结果 髓样癌超声表现形态规则9例（75％）,浸润性导管癌形态规则46例（38.33％）,x2=6.0343,P=0.014;髓样癌超声表现后方效应增强9例（75％）,浸润性导管癌后方效应增强31例（25.83％）,x2=12.4862,P=0.0004;髓样癌超声表现血流信号丰富5例（55.6％）,浸润性导管癌血流信号丰富51例（42.5％）,x2=0.5809,P=0.446;髓样癌超声表现腋下淋巴结肿大2例（1 6.7％）,浸润性性导管癌腋下淋巴结肿大56例（46.7％）,x2=3.9858,P=0.0459;髓样癌cerb B2表达阳性者3例（25％）,浸润性性导管癌阳性者67例（55.8％）,x2=4.1638,P=0.0413;髓样癌、浸润性性导管癌腋下淋巴结肿大与c-erbB-2表达均存在相关性（P＜0.05）.结论乳腺髓样癌超声特征表现为：体积较大,形态规则,后方效应增强,肿瘤内部血流信号丰富,腋下淋巴结肿大较少,c-erbB-2阴性表达.     

乳腺浸润性导管癌不同分子分型及病理组织学分级间常规超声征像的差异

 目的 探讨乳腺浸润性导管癌不同分子分型及病理组织学分级间常规超声征像的差异。方法 收集因乳腺肿物入保定市第一中心医院诊疗并最终手术确诊为乳腺浸润性导管癌的患者资料,回顾性分析术前常规超声典型征像及术后病理学资料,比较不同分子分型及病理组织学分级间的超声征像差异及相关性。结果 (1)五组分子分型病灶的超声征像均存在统计学差异(P<0.05),其中三阴型多表现为肿物回声均匀(47.2%,17/36),病灶后方回声增强(58.3%,21/36);少表现为回声衰减(5.6%,2/36),微钙化(27.8%,10/36)等。HER-2阳性(HR阳性)多表现为微钙化(77.8%,35/45)伴病灶后方回声衰减(48.9%,22/45)。Luminal A型多表现乏血供(62.2%,46/74)。(2)不同组织学分级病灶的超声征像存在统计学差异(P<0.05)。中高分化组病灶多表现为边缘毛刺征(70.0%,133/190),高回声晕(60.5%,115/190),病灶后方回声衰减(42.1%,80/190);低分化组病灶超声征像多表现为富血供(84.3%,43/51)。多变量logistic回归分析显示,血流分布及肿块后方回声特点是超声影像学辨别低分化组IDC病灶的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。结论 乳腺浸润性导管癌的超声检查在一定程度上有助于辨别分子分型及组织学分级程度,为乳腺癌患者个性化治疗方案的选择及预后提供影像学依据。     

钼靶X线定位穿刺留置导丝活检对乳腺微小病灶的诊断价值

目的探讨乳腺X线定位穿刺留置导丝活检术对乳腺微小病灶的诊断价值。方法回顾分析临床触诊阴性而乳腺钼靶X线片显示的微小病灶28例,采用乳腺钼靶X线定位下穿刺,留置导丝于微小病灶区,引导手术将病灶切除活检。结果28例微小病灶均一次性定位成功,定位满意率93%,手术切除完整。病理检查:恶性病变9例,其中浸润性导管癌5例,导管内癌伴早期浸润1例,导管内癌2例,髓样癌1例;良性病变19例。结论乳腺钼靶X线定位穿刺留置导丝活检术,定位准确,诊断明确,能确定乳腺微小病灶的性质,是目前诊断早期乳腺癌的有效方法。     

少见类型乳腺癌的影像、临床、病理及免疫组化分析

目的探讨少见类型乳腺癌影像、临床、病理及免疫组化主要特点,提高对其认识。方法回顾性分析经活检和/或手术病理证实的少见类型乳腺癌21例,观察并分析其X线、超声、相关临床、病理及免疫组化资料。结果 21例中乳头状癌4例,浸润性微乳头状癌5例,粘液癌8例,髓样癌4例。21例X线主要表现边缘模糊或浸润型肿块;超声主要表现均为不规则实性不均质低回声团,边缘欠清,病灶内及周围可见血流。总的中位发病年龄为48.7岁;淋巴结情况:乳头状癌(4/4例)及粘液癌(7/8例)未见淋巴结转移;浸润性微乳头状癌(4/5例)及髓样癌(4/4例)可见淋巴结转移。镜下病理:乳头状癌(4/4例)癌细胞形成中心见纤维血管束的乳头状结构;浸润性微乳头状癌(4/5例)癌细胞簇与间质之间形成间隙;粘液癌(8/8例)癌细胞漂浮于细胞外液粘液湖中;髓样癌(4/4例)癌细胞密集,间质纤维少,间质中淋巴细胞弥漫浸润。免疫组化:髓样癌3/4例为三阴性;乳头状癌(3/4例)、浸润性微乳头状癌(4/5例)及粘液癌(7/8例)为非三阴性;浸润性微乳头状癌(4/5例)肿瘤外侧细胞膜EMA染色阳性。结论少见类型乳腺癌各亚型间病理组织学及免疫组化具有一定特征性;浸润性微乳头状癌及髓样癌易发生淋巴结转移;但各型间影像学表现及发病年龄不具有特征性,术前影像确诊困难,主要依靠术后病理确诊。     

乳腺癌超声分型与病理组织学分型的对照研究

目的:探讨乳腺癌超声分型与病理组织学分型之间的关系及临床意义。方法:对119例术后证实为乳腺癌患者术前的彩色多普勒超声声像图进行分型,并与病理分型对照,分析各型乳腺癌的超声图像特点及其与病理组织学诊断的符合率。结果:119例乳腺癌患者超声发现病灶126个,根据声像图表现分为5型:Ⅰ型(结节型)10例,病理为非浸润性癌1例,早期浸润性癌1例,混合性癌1例,浸润性癌7例,本型超声与病理诊断符合8例(80%)。Ⅱ型(团块型):ⅡA型(边界清晰型)3例,病理为髓样癌3例;ⅡB型(边缘毛糙型)104例,病理为非浸润性癌4例,早期浸润癌6例,浸润性非特殊类型癌93例,罕见型癌1例。超声与病理诊断符合率为98.1%(105/107)。Ⅰ型与Ⅱ型超声与病理诊断符合率比较差异有统计学意义(χ2=167.744,P0.01);Ⅲ型(囊实型)3例,病理为囊内乳头状癌2例,浸润性癌1例。超声与病理诊断符合2例。Ⅳ型(导管型)4例,病理为导管内原位癌1例,早期浸润癌1例,浸润性癌2例。超声与病理诊断符合2例。Ⅴ型(弥漫型)2例,病理诊断早期浸润性癌1例,浸润性导管癌1例。超声与病理诊断符合1例。结论:乳腺癌超声分型与病理分型密切相关,肿块的超声形态特点对组织学分类有提示作用。     

Comparison of mammographic and sonographic findings in typical and atypical medullary carcinomas of the breast

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the contribution of mammographic and sonographic findings to the discrimination of typical and atypical histopathologic groups of medullary carcinomas of the breast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Imaging findings were retrospectively assessed in 33 women with medullary carcinomas (15 typical medullary carcinomas and 18 atypical medullary carcinomas) identified during pre-operative mammography. Twenty-nine of these women also had ultrasound and these findings were reviewed. RESULTS: Mammography showed a well circumscribed mass in 10 of the 15 (67%) typical medullary carcinomas and in four of the 17 (24%) atypical medullary carcinomas (P < 0.02). One small tumour in a woman with atypical medullary carcinoma was missed on mammography and was shown only on sonography. Sonographically, an irregular margin surrounding the whole mass or part of it was seen in three out of 14 (21%) patients with typical medullary carcinoma and in nine out of 15 (60%) patients with atypical medullary carcinomas (P < 0.05). Posterior acoustic shadowing was more often observed in the typical medullary carcinoma group than in atypical medullary carcinoma and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). None of the other mammographic and sonographic findings were sufficiently characteristic to allow for a differentiation between two groups. CONCLUSION: When typical medullary carcinomas were compared with atypical medullary carcinomas according to imaging features, they tended to be well circumscribed masses on both mammography and sonography, and a posterior acoustic shadow was not found on sonography. However, the imaging findings in these two subgroups often resembled each other and histopathology will always be required to confirm the diagnosis.     

The spectrum of sonographic findings of fibroadenoma of the breast

There are a number of sonographic findings seen in fibroadenoma of the breast. In a retrospective study, we examined the biopsy results of 59 masses given the sonographic diagnosis of fibroadenoma. We also reviewed the sonograms of an additional 26 biopsy-proven fibroadenomas that were not diagnosed as such with ultrasound. The ultrasound diagnosis was correct in 50 of 76 fibroadenomas (65.8%). Only 12 of the 76 biopsy-proven fibroadenomas had the classic sonographic appearance of a smooth round or oval mass with homogeneous internal echoes. Fourteen fibroadenomas were not visible on the sonograms, even in retrospect. The remaining 50 biopsy-proven fibroadenomas demonstrated one or more "atypical" signs of border irregularity, lobulation, inhomogeneous internal echo texture, or posterior shadowing. There were nine sonographic false positives: five patients had other benign lesions on histology, and four masses believed to be sonographically compatible with fibroadenoma were found to be carcinomas. While breast sonography is frequently a useful modality for breast mass detection, particularly as an adjunct to x-ray mammography, the common overlap in characteristics of benign and malignant masses makes histologic evaluation of all solid masses essential.     

Sonographic appearance of mucinous carcinoma of the breast

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonographic and mammographic features of mucinous carcinoma and to correlate the imaging features with two histologic classifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two radiologists analyzed the mammographic and sonographic features of 33 mucinous carcinomas. Mammographic features according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) and sonographic features were recorded and analyzed. The imaging features of the mass were correlated with the nuclear grade and mucin content of these 33 mucinous carcinomas. The incidence of axillary lymph nodes metastasis in different histologic grades and their detection by imaging were also assessed. RESULTS: As many as 21.2% (7/33) of mucinous carcinomas could not be detected mammographically. When they were detected mammographically, more than 92% of the tumors presented as a mass, either oval or lobular. Microlobulations were present in 38.5% of these lesions. The margin of the lesion as seen on mammography can be used to predict the histologic grade. A circumscribed margin was associated with a favorable histologic grade (p = 0.01), whereas an indistinct margin was more commonly associated with the mixed type of lesion (p = 0.05). Sonographically, mixed cystic and solid components, distal enhancement, and microlobulated margins were commonly found in mucinous carcinomas, with an incidence of 37.5%, 43.8%, and 56.3%, respectively. Homogeneity on sonography was associated with the pure type of mucinous carcinoma and hence a better prognosis. Sonography showed a sensitivity of 50%, specificity of 89%, positive predictive value of 60%, negative predictive value of 84%, and accuracy of 79.2% in the detection of axillary lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: Both sonographic and mammographic assessments are important in the correct diagnosis of mucinous carcinoma, the prediction of histologic grade, and the prognosis of the tumors.     

Nonvisualization of the gallbladder lumen by sonography

Out of 12 000 sonographic examinations of the abdomen in 211 cases the gallbladder was not visualized. The retrospective analysis of 41 patients revealed in 75% gallstones, in 15% space occupying lesions (4 carcinomas, 1 abscess, 1 sludge). In 10% the sonography gave a false positive result. The reasons are discussed.     

Mucinous (colloid) breast cancer: mammographic and US features with histologic correlation

OBJECTIVE: Mucinous carcinoma of the breast presents with different survival rates in pure and mixed types. The purpose of this study was to correlate the mammographic and ultrasonographic findings of mucinous carcinoma with histologic features in different types and mucin rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients (2.3%) had mucinous cancer after retrospective review of the 1439 breast cancers diagnosed between 1990 and 1996. Twenty-seven patients, 19 pure and eight mixed type of mucinous carcinomas of the breast, were included in this study to evaluate the imaging findings. In 22 of these, the microscopic slides were available and re-evaluated to estimate the volume of extracellular mucin. The volume of the extracellular mucin was classified histologically as: (+), less than 50% of mucin; (++), 50-80% of mucin; and ( ), more than 80% of mucin. Mammographic features with emphasis on margin characteristics and sonographic echo pattern of tumors were correlated with histologic findings. RESULTS: Ten cases (53%) of pure mucinous type carcinomas had a circumscribed mass lesion on the mammograms. The well-defined, lobulated margins of the masses were well correlated with pure histologic type (P<0.01; chi(2) analysis) Two-thirds of these tumors had high volume extracellular mucin. All mixed type mucinous carcinomas demonstrated poorly defined or spiculated margins with no relation to the mucin rates (P<0.01). The sonographic appearances of the tumors showed correlation with histologic types. Most of the pure type carcinomas (53%) were seen with isoechogenic echo texture relative to that of subcutaneous fat, while all of the mixed type carcinomas were hypoechogenic (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The mammographic and sonographic features of mucinous breast carcinoma show differences in pure and mixed types of the tumor. The most common mammographic appearance of pure mucinous carcinomas with high percentages of mucin is a mass lesion having well-defined margins, which is isoechogenic relative to fat on the sonographic examination. Pure type of carcinomas with small percentages of mucin and mixed type carcinomas have more aggressive imaging characteristics.     

Sonographic detection of hepatocellular carcinoma and dysplastic nodules in cirrhosis: correlation of pretransplantation sonography and liver explant pathology in 200 patients

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of sonography as an aid in detecting hepatocellular carcinomas and dysplastic nodules using explantation correlation in patients with cirrhosis and no known hepatocellular carcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sonography reports of 200 patients with cirrhosis who underwent sonography and then underwent liver transplantation within 90 days were retrospectively reviewed for focal solid liver lesions. All focal solid masses detected on sonography were considered possible hepatocellular carcinomas. The sonographic findings were compared with thin-section explanted liver pathologic results. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (13.5%) had hepatocellular carcinoma at explantation, including four patients with diffuse, multifocal tumors. Eight of the 39 lesions were detected on sonography for a patient sensitivity of 29.6% and a lesion sensitivity of 20.5%. Sonography revealed three (75%) of four hepatocellular carcinomas larger than 5 cm in diameter, one (50%) of two hepatocellular carcinomas with diameters of 3.1-5.0 cm, one (20%) of five hepatocellular carcinomas with diameters of 2.1-3.0 cm, three (13.6%) of 22 hepatocellular carcinomas with diameters of 1-2 cm, and no lesions with diameters smaller than 1 cm. Forty-two patients (21%) had a total of 126 dysplastic nodules including two patients with innumerable lesions. Sonography depicted only two dysplastic nodules, for a patient sensitivity of 4.8% and a lesion sensitivity of 1.6%. The overall specificity of sonography for either hepatocellular carcinomas or dysplastic nodules was 96%. CONCLUSION: Sonography has low sensitivity but high specificity in revealing hepatocellular carcinomas and dysplastic nodules in patients with a cirrhotic liver requiring liver transplantation. In these patients, sonography should not be the sole imaging modality used for lesion detection before transplantation.     

Intraarticular osteoid osteoma: sonographic findings in three patients with radiographic, CT, and MR imaging correlation.

OBJECTIVE: Intraarticular osteoid osteoma often has subtle radiographic findings and nonspecific clinical features; further diagnostic workup of unexplained joint pain may involve musculoskeletal sonography. We describe the sonographic features of intraarticular osteoid osteoma in three consecutive patients with radiographic, CT, and MR imaging correlation. CONCLUSION: The sonographic findings of painful cortical irregularity and focal synovitis should raise the possibility of intraarticular osteoid osteoma, prompting the search for characteristic findings on correlative imaging studies.     

Sonographic, mammographic, and histopathologic correlation of symptomatic ductal carcinoma in situ

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the features of symptomatic ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast shown on high-resolution sonography and to correlate them with findings from mammography and histopathology to evaluate the prognostic ability of sonographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed mammographic and sonographic images of 60 DCIS lesions from 55 symptomatic women. Images were reviewed by a radiologist who knew that the patients had DCIS but had no other information regarding pathology. Lesions were evaluated pathologically and classified using the Van Nuys classification system. Statistical comparisons were made using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the 60 lesions, 33 were classified as Van Nuys group 1, 19 as Van Nuys group 2, and eight as Van Nuys group 3. Six (10%) of the 60 lesions were not visible on sonography, and 12 lesions (20%) were not visible on mammography. Sonography revealed a mass in 43 cases (72%), ductal changes in 14 cases (23%), and architectural distortion in four cases (7%). Eight lesions had more than one of these features. A sonographically visualized, irregularly shaped mass with indistinct or angular margins and no posterior acoustic shadowing or enhancement was associated with a high Van Nuys classification (p < 0.05). Microcalcifications were visible on sonography in 13 (22%) of the 60 lesions or on mammography in 25 lesions (42%). Both findings were associated with a high Van Nuys classification (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although sonography can reveal microcalcifications within masses, it is unreliable in depicting and characterizing the morphology and extent of microcalcifications, particularly when they are in isolation. Therefore, sonography should not be used to replace mammography but instead as an adjunctive tool to increase the sensitivity of mammography in breast diagnosis.     

Hemangioendothelioma of the parotid gland in infants: sonography and correlative MR imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemangioendothelioma is the most common parotid gland tumor of childhood, and is diagnosed on clinical grounds, supported by imaging findings. Previous work has suggested that MR is the best imaging technique for assessment of parotid hemangioendothelioma. Demonstration of a reliable sonographic appearance would reduce the need for MR imaging in infants with this lesion. METHODS: We performed high-frequency sonography (including color Doppler and power Doppler imaging) in three patients, each with a diagnosis of parotid hemangioendothelioma confirmed by clinical follow-up. Two patients were also examined with MR imaging and labeled red cell scintigraphy. RESULTS: All sonographic studies showed a homogeneous mass enlarging and replacing most or all of the visualized parotid gland, with a lobular internal structure, fine echogenic internal septations, and a mildly lobulated contour. Color Doppler and power Doppler imaging showed extremely high vascularity within the mass. Correlative MR images in two infants showed a well-defined lesion with uniform intense contrast enhancement. Labeled red cell scintigraphy showed a well-defined area of intense activity. CONCLUSION: In the presence of a typical clinical history, sonography and clinical follow-up alone may prove to be sufficient for safe management of parotid hemangioendothelioma. MR imaging or labeled red cell scintigraphy may only be required if the sonographic features are atypical. These findings require confirmation in a larger series of patients.