甲状腺转移癌的超声征象

  目的  探讨甲状腺转移癌的超声特征。  方法  回顾性分析本院1988年4月至2013年7月收治的10例甲状腺转移癌患者的临床资料, 分析其超声图像及超声报告, 记录并总结甲状腺转移癌的超声特征。  结果  1例肺癌及1例食管癌患者的转移灶表现为甲状腺增大, 弥漫性回声不均, 余8例表现为甲状腺结节。8例表现为甲状腺结节的超声特征:5例多发, 3例单发; 2例病灶累及右侧叶, 1例病灶累及左侧叶, 5例病灶累及双侧叶; 结节平均最大径为3.8 cm(0.6~6.6 cm); 5例边界不清, 3例边界尚清; 7例病灶形态不规则, 1例报告中未描述; 7例表现为低回声, 1例表现为高回声; 2例病灶为囊实性, 6例表现为实性; 6例伴点状、条状强回声, 1例无强回声, 1例报告中未描述; 彩色多普勒血流成像显示:4例病灶内血流丰富, 1例周边内部条状血流, 1例周边见少许血流信号, 1例无血流, 1例报告中未描述。甲状腺转移灶与原发病灶具有相似的超声特征。  结论  甲状腺转移癌超声表现多种多样, 多表现为甲状腺结节, 也可表现为弥漫性回声不均。结节的超声表现多为多发、体积较大、边界不清、形态不规则、实性、低回声、钙化、血流丰富。了解甲状腺转移癌的超声特征有利于可疑病例的发现。     

Sonographic findings in the surgical bed after thyroidectomy: comparison of recurrent tumors and nonrecurrent lesions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the sonographic findings of recurrent tumors and nonrecurrent lesions mimicking recurrent tumors in the surgical bed after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients who underwent sonography and sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration for evaluation of abnormal lesions in the surgical bed after thyroidectomy were included in this retrospective study. We compared the sonographic findings of recurrent tumors and nonrecurrent lesions, including lesion size, shape, margins, and echogenicity, presence or absence of microcalcification, and vascular flow signals. The reference standard was repeated sonographically guided fine-needle aspiration, surgery, or follow-up for at least 1 year. RESULTS: Of 59 lesions in 58 patients, 20 were confirmed as recurrent tumors, and 36 were confirmed as nonrecurrent lesions in the surgical bed; 3 patients were lost to follow-up. On sonographic examination, the recurrent tumors diagnosed in 20 patients were oval in 70%, had well-defined margins in 100%, were hypoechoic in 70%, and had microcalcification in 10%. The average size was 0.7 cm (range, 0.4-2.1 cm). There was no statistical difference in sonographic findings between recurrent tumors and nonrecurrent lesions (P > .05). The 36 nonrecurrent lesions included remnant thyroidal tissue (n = 8), postoperative fibrosis (n = 7), suture granuloma (n = 7), strap muscle with a nodular contour (n = 4), reactive lymph nodes (n = 4), cysts (n = 3), tracheal cartilage (n = 2), and fat necrosis (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: For lesions located in the surgical bed in patients after thyroidectomy, the distinction between recurrent thyroid cancer and nonrecurrent benign lesions cannot be made on the basis of the sonographic features. Fine-needle aspiration is helpful in determining the histologic nature of such lesions.     

甲状腺转移癌的超声征象简

目的探讨甲状腺转移癌的超声特征。方法回顾性分析本院1988年4月至2013年7月收治的10例甲状腺转移癌患者的临床资料,分析其超声图像及超声报告,记录并总结甲状腺转移癌的超声特征。结果1例肺癌及1例食管癌患者的转移灶表现为甲状腺增jk,弥漫性回声不均,余8例表现为甲状腺结节。8例表现为甲状腺结节的超声特征：5例多发,3例单发;2例病灶累及右侧叶,1例病灶累及左侧叶,5例病灶累及双侧叶;结节平均最大径为3．8Cm（0．6～6．6cm）;5例边界不清,3例边界尚清;7例病灶形态不规则,1例报告中未描述;7例表现为低回声,1例表现为高回声;2例病灶为囊实性,6例表现为实性;6例伴点状、条状强回声,1例无强回声,1例报告中未描述;彩色多普勒血流成像显示：4例病灶内血流丰富,1例周边内部条状血流,1例周边见少许血流信号,1例无血流,1例报告中未描述。甲状腺转移灶与原发病灶具有相似的超声特征。结论甲状腺转移癌超声表现多种多样,多表现为甲状腺结节,也可表现为弥漫性回声不均。结节的超声表现多为多发、体积较大、边界不清、形态不规则、实性、低回声、钙化、血流丰富。了解甲状腺转移癌的超声特征有利于可疑病例的发现。     

Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum mimicking a suspicious thyroid nodule: Sonographic diagnosis

Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum is a rare form of pharyngoesophageal diverticula emerging in the anterolateral wall of the cervical esophagus. We present a case of Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum that mimicked a thyroid nodule on sonography (US), and for which a US‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) was performed. The possibility of Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum should be considered when a thyroid nodule is seen adjacent to the esophagus even without US change during/after swallowing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009     

Isolated Echogenic Foci in the Left Upper Quadrant of the Fetal Abdomen

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate fetuses with echogenic foci in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen by sonographic examination. METHODS: Between November 2000 and October 2001, we prospectively assessed fetuses with echogenic foci in the abdominal left upper quadrant on routine prenatal sonography. The location, number, and size of the foci were analyzed, and in utero and postpartum follow-up scans were performed. A pediatrician evaluated the perinatal outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-six fetuses had 35 echogenic foci in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen at gestational ages of 20 to 37 weeks. The locations of the foci along the stomach, spleen, and the left lobe of the liver were found on sonography and measured 2 to 5 mm. Of the 16 fetuses who had follow-up scans in utero, 7 had disappearance of the foci. Postpartum follow-up scans were performed in 12 cases. Among them, 9 neonates had no lesions, and 3 had echogenic foci of a size and appearance similar to those seen prenatally in the left lobe of the liver. Only 1 of 4 patients who had TORCH (toxoplasmosis, other, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex) titers evaluated had elevated immunoglobulin G levels; no patient had any sign of infection after birth. All fetuses had a normal postnatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Many echogenic foci in the left upper quadrant of the fetal abdomen will disappear, and the outcome is promising even when the lesion persists after birth.     

Sonographic findings of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with pathologic correlation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this series was to describe the sonographic features of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DP) and correlate them with the pathologic findings of this condition. METHODS: The echogenicity and marginal contour of DP in 4 patients were observed on sonography, and these features were then correlated with the cellular components and histologic grading of pathologic specimens. Additionally, color Doppler sonography was conducted to evaluate the distribution of blood flow signals in the tumors. RESULTS: All lesions were located in the subcutaneous fat layer, abutted against the skin, and had a wide base. Two of the cases of DP observed on the sonograms were hypoechoic, and 2 had mixed echogenicity; however, the mixed echogenic tumors were primarily echoic. The margin was focally lobulated but well defined in the hypoechoic tumors; however, the margin appeared as an irregular pseudopodialike protrusion in the mixed echogenic tumors. Color Doppler sonography showed 2 different blood flow patterns: 1 in which profuse blood flowed through the entire tumor and 1 in which only a small amount of blood flowed through the peripheral portions of the tumor. The 2 blood flow patterns were observed in 1 of each type of tumor. Pathologically, samples corresponding to hypoechoic DP were composed primarily of tumor cells, and samples corresponding to mixed echogenic DP were composed of tumor cells and fibrous tissues. CONCLUSIONS: If a sonogram reveals an oval mass in the subcutaneous tissue that is abutting against the skin and has a focal lobulated margin with hypoechogenicity or an irregular margin with mixed echogenicity, a diagnosis of DP should be considered.     

Sonographic appearance of lipoma of the inferior vena cava.

Lipomas of the major central veins are rare, and their sonographic features have rarely been reported. We report a case in which a lipoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) was incidentally identified during liver sonography in a 68-year-old man. Sonography of the upper abdomen revealed coarsening of the liver echotexture, with a relatively small liver and atrophy of the right hepatic lobe. A 2-cm hypoechoic hepatic nodule was visualized in segment IV. Sonography also showed a 2.2- x 1.8-cm, highly echogenic, homogeneous nodule in the hepatic segment of the IVC at its junction with the right atrium. The lumen of the IVC was partially occluded. The CT and MRI appearances of the IVC lesion were consistent with a lipoma, which was not treated because there was no clinical evidence of obstruction. Histopathologic analysis following a sonographically guided biopsy of the liver nodule revealed hepatocellular carcinoma, which was treated by percutaneous ethanol injection.     

Relationship between sonographic and pathologic findings in epidermal inclusion cysts

PURPOSE: We evaluated the sonographic findings in epidermal inclusion cysts and related them to the pathologic findings. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the sonograms and pathology specimens of 24 patients with pathologically proven epidermal inclusion cysts. We evaluated the lesions for shape, size, internal echogenicity, posterior sound enhancement, and presence of color Doppler signals. We classified the masses into 5 sonographic types according to their internal echogenicity. The relationship between the sonographic types and the pathologic findings was examined. RESULTS: The masses were ovoid or spherical in 17 cases (71%), lobulated in 5 (21%), and tubular in 2 (8%). The longest diameter ranged from 1 to 6 cm (mean, 3.1 cm). Twenty-three cases (96%) were associated with posterior sound enhancement. Color Doppler signals were absent in 20 cases, but some vascularity was noted in 4 ruptured epidermal cysts, in areas of granulation tissue. The most common sonographic type was a hypoechoic lesion with scattered echogenic reflectors (10 cases). Sonographic findings were related to the lamellation of keratin debris and the granulation tissue secondary to rupture. Most cases with a lobulated configuration (4 of 5) or color Doppler signals (4 of 4) were ruptured cysts. CONCLUSIONS: Epidermal inclusion cysts most often appeared sonographically as a hypoechoic mass containing variable echogenic foci without color Doppler signals. Ruptured epidermal cysts, however, may have lobulated contours and show color Doppler signals, mimicking a solid mass.     

Jejunal diverticulosis: sonographic diagnosis

We report the sonographic appearance of jejunal diverticulosis in 4 cases. Jejunal diverticula appear as multiple peri-intestinal hypoechoic structures on sonographic examination. Many diverticula show communication with the bowel lumen. The diverticular neck formed by the prolapsed mucosal and submucosal layers can be seen as a parallel, echogenic structure traversing the bowel wall. Most diverticula also contain echogenic debris and air-related artifacts. Because jejunal diverticula may be encountered during a sonographic examination, sonologists should be aware of their sonographic appearance to prevent diagnostic errors.     

Sonographic appearances of malignant lymphoma of the salivary glands.

PURPOSE: We undertook this retrospective study to describe the sonographic findings in patients with malignant lymphoma of the major salivary glands. METHODS: We reviewed the sonograms and medical records of 7 patients with histologically proven lymphoma of the parotid (3 patients) or submandibular glands (4 patients). RESULTS: Primary lymphoma was found in 1 parotid gland and 2 submandibular glands. The remaining 4 cases were secondary lymphomas. One patient had been diagnosed with Sj?gren's syndrome and had been followed up with sonography. In parotid glands, both parenchymal and intraparotid nodal lymphomas were found. All submandibular gland tumors were parenchymal. Intraparotid nodal involvement appeared as multiple small nodules with relatively smooth margins, whereas the parenchymal parotid and submandibular gland lymphomas were larger (25 to 45 mm in longitudinal diameter) and showed various degrees of margin irregularity. All tumors were hypoechoic relative to the normal parenchyma. The primary parotid lymphoma and intraparotid nodal lymphomas had a homogeneous echotexture; the secondary parotid lymphomas and submandibular gland lymphomas were heterogeneous. One submandibular gland lymphoma showed intratumoral echogenic stripes. Neither calcification nor cystic degeneration was observed within the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphomas of the salivary glands present a variety of sonographic appearances, ranging from multiple small, hypoechoic nodules to an irregularly shaped heterogeneous mass without cystic areas or calcifications.     

Rates of malignancy in incidentally discovered thyroid nodules evaluated with sonography and fine-needle aspiration.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of malignancy in thyroid nodules discovered incidentally on magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and sonography with the rate of malignancy in nonincidentally discovered nodules. METHODS: All thyroid sonographic and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) procedures performed during a 6-month period were retrospectively reviewed. Study indications were categorized as incidental (thyroid nodules found on magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or sonography performed for nonthyroid indications) or nonincidental (studies prompted by abnormal physical examination findings or laboratory values or signs or symptoms suggestive of thyroid disease). Rates of malignancy in patients with incidentally discovered nodules were compared with rates in patients with nonincidental thyroid abnormalities by the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Of 225 thyroid sonographic studies, 35 (16%) were performed for incidentally discovered thyroid nodules, and 190 (84%) were performed for evaluation of nonincidental thyroid abnormalities. A total of 21 patients (60%) in the incidental group and 90 patients (47%) in the nonincidental group underwent FNA. The rate of malignancy in nodules examined by biopsy in the incidental group was 17% compared with 3% in the nonincidental group (P = .020). Patient sex, multiplicity of nodules, nodule size, echo texture, and presence of calcifications did not differ significantly between the groups. The mean age of patients in the incidental group was significantly higher (61 versus 51 years; P = .007); however, advanced age was not associated with a greater rate of malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified an unexpectedly high rate of malignancy in incidentally discovered thyroid nodules, suggesting that incidentally discovered thyroid nodules should be evaluated with follow-up thyroid sonography and FNA.     

表皮囊肿的超声诊断

目的：探讨表皮囊肿的超声声像图特点。方法：回顾分析15例经病理证实的表皮囊肿的超声图像资料。结果：9例皮下表皮囊肿表现为低回声至中等回声，边界清晰，有包膜，内部多见管道样结构，压迫后有形变，放松后复原。3例睾丸表皮囊肿中2例表现为低回声光团，内部见散在高回声，1例表现为睾丸内实质不均质光团，高低回声相间(洋葱征)。3例深部表皮囊肿表现为液性暗区或低回声型。彩超显示表皮囊肿内无彩色血流。结论：表皮囊肿具有一定的超声声像图特征，尤其对睾丸表皮囊肿的声像图认识，有助于避免不必要的睾丸切除术。     

Thyroid Hemangiomas Diagnosed on Sonography

Primary thyroid hemangiomas are extremely rare, and only a few cases have been previously reported. Primary hemangiomas are developmental anomalies resulting from the inability of the angioblastic mesenchyme to form canals. Thyroid hemangiomas are generally considered difficult to diagnose preoperatively because of their low incidence and nonspecific imaging findings. Here we report 2 cases of thyroid hemangiomas that were diagnosed correctly on preoperative sonography. Our cases showed similar sonographic findings, such as well‐circumscribed hypoechoic lesions with internal channel‐like linear lines, and bloody content was aspirated during fine‐needle aspirations. Our report shows that thyroid hemangiomas can be diagnosed correctly by sonography with or without confirmation of bloody content in the lesions by fine‐needle aspiration.     

Characteristic sonographic findings of hepatic erosion by umbilical vein catheters.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this series is to describe findings seen on abdominal sonography in neonates with erosion into the liver by umbilical vein catheters (UVCs). METHODS: Four neonates with erosion of the UVC into hepatic parenchyma within a 2-year period were identified. A retrospective case analysis was performed to determine the symptoms and clinical scenario of presentation. Plain radiographs were examined to establish the location of the UVC placement, and abdominal sonograms were reviewed. RESULTS: All 4 neonates had abdominal distension within 9 days of UVC placement, and in all of them, the UVC tip was located below the hemidiaphragm and superimposed over the liver. Sonographic examination of all patients showed intraparenchymal liver lesions with an echogenic rim and hypoechoic center. Two neonates also had subcapsular fluid collections. Complex ascites was seen in all 4 patients. The fluid was proven to be total parenteral nutrition by paracentesis in 2 patients. Treatment consisted of removal of the UVC. All patients were followed for a period of 2 to 18 months and showed clinical resolution of symptoms or sonographic improvement of the liver lesions. CONCLUSIONS: A characteristic liver lesion can be seen on sonography with hepatic erosion by UVCs. Our study shows the importance of a high index of suspicion of UVC erosion into the liver in neonates with catheters positioned in the liver. When such neonates have abdominal distension, prompt abdominal sonograms should be obtained.     

Localized painful giant-cell thyroiditis without inflammatory signs in a euthyroid patient followed by serial sonography

We describe a patient with localized painful giant-cell thyroiditis. A 45-year-old woman noticed a tender lump in the left side of the neck. Sonography of the thyroid revealed diffuse swelling of the left lobe with irregular hypoechoic areas. Three months later, the tender swelling subsided, and the hypoechoic areas disappeared without any treatment. There were never any systemic signs of inflammation or thyroid dysfunction. Atypical localized subacute thyroiditis was considered to be the most probable diagnosis based on fine-needle aspiration cytology and serial sonography. Serial sonographic evaluations are useful to avoid unnecessary surgery. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 26:329–332, 1998.     

Echogenic fetal lung masses: comparison of prenatal sonographic and postnatal CT findings

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare changes in size and appearance of fetal lung masses detected on prenatal sonography with those on postnatal CT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen fetuses with echogenic lung masses had undergone serial sonography in utero as well as postnatal CT scanning. Changes in size of the masses were determined by comparing initial and follow-up sonograms. The appearance of the lesions on postnatal CT scans was classified as consolidation, cavity, ground-glass opacity, or atelectasis. All sonographic and CT findings were analyzed by 2 experienced radiologists who were unaware of previous imaging results. RESULTS: The initial mean size of the fetal lung masses on prenatal sonography was 31 (anteroposterior dimension)x25(width)x36(craniocaudal length) mm. Follow-up serial sonography revealed complete regression of 10 masses, no change in 4, partial regression of 1, and increased size in 1. On postnatal chest CT, the mean mass size was 32x22x28 mm; 6 lesions showed no size change from that on the initial sonograms, 6 showed partial regression, and 4 showed an increase in size. Of the 10 cases with apparently complete regression on prenatal sonography, all showed positive findings on postnatal CT. CONCLUSIONS: The discrepancy between prenatal sonographic and postnatal CT findings supports the assumption that regression of lung masses during serial prenatal sonographic follow-up does not always indicate their complete regression.     

Lithium nephropathy: unique sonographic findings

This case series describes a unique sonographic appearance consisting of numerous microcysts and punctate echogenic foci seen on renal sonograms of 10 adult patients receiving chronic lithium therapy. Clinically, chronic renal insufficiency was present in 6 and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in 2. Sonography showed numerous microcysts and punctate echogenic foci. Computed tomography in 5 patients confirmed microcysts and microcalcifications, which were fewer in number than on sonography. Magnetic resonance imaging in 2 patients confirmed microcysts in each case. Renal biopsy in 1 patient showed chronic interstitial nephritis, microcysts, and tubular dilatation. The diagnosis of lithium nephropathy should be considered when sonography shows these findings.     

Ectopic intrathyroidal thymus misdiagnosed as a thyroid nodule: sonographic appearance

An 11-year-old boy under suppression therapy for a solitary thyroid nodule was referred for sonographic examination. The diagnosis had been made at another institution, based only on sonography without cytopathologic verification. A small fusiform lesion, which was homogeneously hypoechoic with diffuse bright internal echoes, was demonstrated in the right lower pole of the thyroid. A normal elongated thymus with a cervical component was then found connected to the thyroid with an accessory lobe, which was embedded in the lower thyroid pole mimicking a solitary nodule. We discuss the developmental abnormalities of the thymus and their clinical significance in childhood with a brief review of the literature.     

Coexistence of Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Hashimoto Thyroiditis in Children

This report documents 3 pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma cases with associated Hashimoto thyroiditis. In all 3 cases, hypoechoic nodules accompanied by multiple echogenic spots were noted on sonography of the thyroid. Hashimoto thyroiditis was suspected on the basis of positive thyroid autoantibody test results and pathologic examinations of thyroidectomy specimens, which revealed chronic thyroiditis with lymphocytic infiltration as the background of papillary thyroid carcinoma development. The potential for papillary carcinoma development warrants close follow‐up, and meticulous sonographic examinations must be performed in children with Hashimoto thyroiditis.