颈部间隙囊性肿块的CT和MRI诊断

目的分析颈部囊性肿块的MR I和CT特征。方法回顾性分析44例经手术病理证实的颈部囊性肿块,其中淋巴结病变12例,脓肿2例,涎腺病变4例,神经鞘瘤3例,甲状舌管囊肿7例,鳃裂囊肿9例,囊性水瘤5例,皮样囊肿1例,喉气囊肿1例。结果增强CT和MR I可以显示肿块的囊性特征。淋巴结病变为液化坏死所致,有较厚的囊壁;涎腺囊性病变表现各异;先天性囊肿常表现为光滑、薄壁和无增强的肿块,多数囊肿具有特定的解剖位置,如甲状舌管囊肿主要位于颈前中线和舌骨水平,第二鳃裂囊肿多位于颌下腺后方和颈动脉间隙外侧,囊性水瘤最常见于颈后间隙,皮样囊肿位于口底。结论MR I和CT影像学检查能准确评价肿块的性质和位置,对诊断和术前理想方案制订具有重要价值。     

Cystic papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland: a new sonographic sign

Cystic thyroid lesions are generally considered to be benign and managed by repeated aspiration and/or biopsy. We report characteristic sonographic signs in eight cases of cystic papillary carcinomas of the thyroid gland. In all eight cases, ultrasonography (US) revealed mostly cystic lesions with solid excrescences protruding into the cyst. These nodules contained multiple punctate echogenic foci suggesting calcification. In three of these cases the initial fine needle aspiration biopsy was negative. The 'calcified nodule in cyst' sign was found to be very specific for cystic thyroid carcinoma in a review of the ultrasound findings in 115 patients with nodular thyroid lesions. Careful evaluation and/or surgery should be recommended in patients who have such characteristic sonographic findings even if the fine needle aspiration result is negative.     

Cystic hygromas in children: sonographic-pathologic correlation

The sonographic findings in eight children with surgically proved cystic hygroma were reviewed and correlated with the pathologic specimens. Six tumors occurred in the neck, one occurred in the axilla, and one involved the soft tissues of the thigh, scrotum, and pelvis. A cystic hygroma characteristically appears as a multiloculated cystic mass with septa of variable thickness that contain solid components arising from the cyst wall or the septa. Correlation of the sonogram with the pathologic specimen demonstrated that the echogenic component corresponded to a cluster of abnormal lymphatic channels, too small to be resolved with ultrasound. Large lesions had ill-defined boundaries, with cystic components dissecting between normal tissue planes. Sonographically, one can usually differentiate these tumors from other cervical masses, especially soft-tissue hemangiomas. Sonography is also helpful in determining the extent of the lesion before surgery and in assessing postoperative complications and recurrences.     

The CT appearance of thyroglossal duct carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thyroid carcinoma arising in a thyroglossal duct cyst may be clinically indistinguishable from a benign thyroglossal duct cyst. The preoperative diagnosis of carcinoma, however, can have important implications for surgical planning and postoperative treatment. Our purpose was to describe the CT appearance of thyroglossal duct carcinoma and identify the features that distinguish thyroglossal duct carcinoma from benign thyroglossal duct cysts. METHODS: Retrospective review of the medical records from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Geisinger Medical Center (Danville, Pennsylvania) identified six patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma within the thyroglossal duct who had undergone preoperative CT examinations of the neck. There were two women and four men. Their ages ranged from 14 to 59 years. Three patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT of the neck, and three underwent unenhanced CT. All CT examinations consisted of 3- to 5-mm-thick contiguous axial sections. RESULTS: Each patient had an anterior neck mass with a cystic component. Two of the masses had dense or enhancing mural nodules, two had irregular calcification throughout the mass, and two had dense or enhancing mural nodules with additional foci of calcification. One patient had cervical lymphadenopathy. CONCLUSION: Carcinoma should be considered in thyroglossal duct cysts that have a mural nodule or calcification or both.     

Chronic granulomatous lesions after thyroidectomy: imaging findings

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe the imaging appearance of granulomatous inflammation in the neck presenting as a late complication in patients who have undergone thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Granulomatous inflammation can occur as a palpable mass in the operative bed of asymptomatic patients who have undergone thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma. The diagnosis may be suggested when the lesion shows the sonographic appearance of a poorly defined hypoechoic lesion or lesions with a central echogenic nonshadowing focus, often within the sternocleidomastoid muscle. These lesions may appear as complex cystic masses on CT and MRI and may have increased activity on PET. Percutaneous biopsy can establish the diagnosis of an inflammatory lesion and can exclude underlying active infection and malignancy.     

Sonography of malignant pleural effusion

Two hundred and ten patients with exudative pleural effusion were studied by ultrasound for sonographic signs of pleural carcinomatosis. Images were evaluated for echoes within the fluid, septations, sheet-like or nodular pleural masses, and associated lesions of the lung. Our results showed that sonographic findings of echogenic or septated fluid were unspecific for malignancy. Only the evidence of pleural masses was characteristic of malignant effusion. Ultrasound of the chest should therefore be carried out before invasive diagnostic procedures are planned. Received 31 May 1995; Revision received 12 September 1996; Accepted 14 January 1997     

Imaging of cystic lesions

Cystic neck masses are varied in their histology and embryogenesis. Because neural, vascular, and lipomatous lesions may all appear cystic, a multimodality imaging approach can help identify these potential mimics. Developmental neck cysts include thyroglossal duct, thymic, and branchial cleft cysts, and teratomatous lesions or lymphangiomas. Although laryngoceles are acquired lesions, congenital anomalies (e.g., abnormally long saccules) may play a role in their formation. Lesion location is at least as important a determinant as morphology in formulating the differential diagnosis of a cystic neck mass. Midline cystic lesions are most commonly thyroglossal duct cysts, although dermoid tumors are also frequently midline. Squamous cell carcinoma metastatic to anterior triangle lymph nodes (Fig. 17), and cystic, necrotic schwanommas, can mimic the typical appearance of an infected second branchial cleft cyst. Posterior triangle lymphadenopathy and lipomatous lesions may resemble cystic hygromas. Cystic-appearing masses in the carotid space include neurogenic tumors, vascular thromboses, and carotid chain lymphadenopathy. Neural-based lesions typically occur posterolateral to the carotid artery. Necrotic lymphadenopathy may be suggested by lesion multiplicity, or by the presence of ancillary features, such as systemic symptoms, or the existence of a primary tumor. It must be emphasized that the primary role of the radiologist in head and neck imaging is to help stage disease and guide surgery. Despite clinical and radiographic analysis, the diagnosis of many lesions ultimately depends on image-guided or excisional biopsy.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of gas-containing abscesses in the abdomen.

This report describes the sonographic appearance of six gas-containing abdominal abscesses. Gas-containing abscesses may appear as densely echogenic masses with acoustical shadowing, but may also be seen merely as regions of acoustical shadowing or as an echogenic mass. A hypothesis is advanced that the appearance of gas-containing abscesses as echogenic masses may be due to a "microbubble" constrast effect.     

Cystic lesions of the breast: sonographic-pathologic correlation

PURPOSE: To understand the pathologic basis for sonographic features of cystic lesions of the breast and determine appropriate assessment and management recommendations for these lesions based on sonographic appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a database of 2,072 image-guided procedures performed from July 1995 through September 2001, 150 cystic lesions were identified. Diagnosis was established with fine-needle aspiration (n = 55), 14-gauge core-needle biopsy (n = 81), or both (n = 14). Excision was performed for all malignant (n = 18) and atypical (n = 2) lesions and for 11 benign lesions, which recurred or enlarged at follow-up. Imaging follow-up was available for 92 of 119 benign lesions. Targeted sonography was performed with high-frequency (10-MHz center frequency) transducers. Imaging and histopathologic, cytologic, and/or microbiologic findings were reviewed. Lesions were categorized as simple cysts, complicated cysts (imperceptible wall, acoustic enhancement, low-level echoes), clustered microcysts, cystic masses with a thick (perceptible) wall and/or thick (> or =0.5 mm) septations, intracystic or mixed cystic and solid masses (at least 50% cystic), or predominantly solid masses with eccentric cystic foci. RESULTS: Of 150 lesions, 16 were simple cysts aspirated for symptomatic relief. Of 38 lesions characterized as complicated cysts and one cyst with thin septations, none proved malignant, nor did any of 16 lesions characterized as clustered microcysts. Of 23 masses with thick indistinct walls or thick septations, seven proved malignant. Of 18 intracystic or mixed cystic and solid masses, four proved malignant. Of 38 predominantly solid masses with eccentric cystic foci, seven proved malignant. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic complicated cysts generally warrant aspiration. All clustered microcysts were benign, but further study is required. Cystic lesions with thick indistinct walls and/or thick septations (> or =0.5 mm), intracystic masses, and predominantly solid masses with eccentric cystic foci should be examined at biopsy; 18 of 79 of such complex cystic lesions proved malignant in this series.     

A large degenerated subserous leiomyoma of the uterus: Uncommon scintigraphic and ultrasonographic findings

Bone imaging is commonly used as a sensitive indicator of metastatic bone diseases or other bone pathology. Furthermore, it is now generally known that technetium-99m (99mTc) phosphonates tend to concentrate in various tissues other than bones. Ultrasonography is also widely used for the evaluation of pelvic masses. Ultrasonography is especially useful for detecting a cystic mass. We present a case where the uptake of 99mTc phosphonate compounds occurred in the entire abdomen, and ultrasonography suggested a diagnosis of pseudomyxoma peritonei, but the condition was later proven to be degeneration of giant subserous leiomyoma of the uterus. We have found two interesting features in this case. One is the 99mTc phosphonate concentration in the large cystic and hyaline degeneration of subserous leiomyoma of the uterus without calcification, and the other is the sonographic finding of a large echogenic mass with innumerable small anechoic areas. To our knowledge, no cases of 99mTc phosphonate concentration in non-calcified leiomyoma of the uterus have been demonstrated.     

The spectrum of sonographic findings in hemorrhagic ovarian cysts

The sonograms of 76 hemorrhagic ovarian cysts were reviewed to ascertain the full spectrum of sonographic findings. All cases were proved either by surgery or by documented resolution on sonography and/or clinical follow-up. The overwhelming majority (92%) had increased sound through-transmission, signifying the basic cystic nature of the lesion. The sonographic patterns were variable. The most common appearance was that of a heterogeneous mass (83%), almost half of which were predominantly anechoic with hypoechoic material. The other cases (17%) were completely homogeneous, either hypo- or hyperechoic. No masses were completely anechoic. Additional sonographic features included a thick rim, septations, and associated cul-de-sac fluid. A rounded hyperechoic mass, representing blood clot, was contained within 13 masses. In addition, some women appeared to have an increased tendency to form ovarian cysts, suggested by the fact that 26% of them had a past, concurrent, or future episode of simple or hemorrhagic ovarian cysts. Because hemorrhagic ovarian cysts have variable sonographic findings, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of any adnexal mass that has good sound through-transmission.     

肾上腺少见肿瘤的超声表现

目的探讨肾上腺少见肿瘤的超声声像图特征,提高对该类疾病的认识水平。方法收集18例经手术和病理证实的肾上腺少见肿瘤,对其超声表现进行回顾性分析。结果神经鞘瘤5例,均呈低回声,其中4例伴囊性无回声区;畸胎瘤4例,内部混杂细密点状高回声和强回声;血管瘤4例,其中2例内部呈混合性回声伴散在点状强回声,另2例呈低回声;Castleman病3例,内部呈低回声,边界清晰,团块后方回声增强;淋巴管血管瘤2例,其中1例呈分叶状内部为低回声,另1例内部呈囊性无回声,边缘可见条状强回声。结论超声对肾上腺少见肿瘤定位及定性提示有一定价值,结合超声表现与l临床及其它影像学检查,可提高肾上腺少见肿瘤术前诊断的准确性。     

Normal sonographic appearance of the fetal neck late in the first trimester: the pseudomembrane

A linear specular reflection simulating a membrane was visualized along the back of the neck on sonograms of ten normal fetuses ranging in age from 10 to 14 menstrual weeks. Follow-up ultrasound studies of eight of the fetuses and postpartum clinical examinations of all subjects were normal, revealing no evidence of neck abnormalities. Although this pseudomembrane is similar in appearance to published examples of early cystic hygroma, it is a normal finding that can be distinguished from early cystic hygroma on the basis of its less bulbous appearance and the absence of underlying septations. This structure corresponds in distribution to the skin along the back of the fetus and likely represents a specular reflection from the skin surface.     

卵巢原发性乳头状甲状腺癌的CDFI分析及探讨

目的 探讨卵巢原发性乳头状甲状腺癌的二维及彩色多普勒血流显像特点.方法 对2例经病理学检查确诊的卵巢原发性乳头状甲状腺癌进行二维及彩色多普勒血流显像分析,结合文献对其声像图和血流特点进行探讨.结果 超声显示盆腔或下腹部囊实性包块,多数包块内部以实性回声为主,伴有多房小囊;少数以囊性成分为主伴有分隔及实性结节,彩色多普勒显示实性部分有血供较丰富的高速低阻血流.2例均没有临床恶变及转移的证据.结论 卵巢原发性乳头状甲状腺癌的声像图缺乏明显特征性,必须结合彩色多普勒及其他影像学和实验室检查与其他卵巢肿瘤相鉴别;肿瘤以多房囊实性或多房囊性内有实性成分多见,同时伴有实性部分的低阻动脉血流信号.因此,在超声疑为畸胎瘤的瘤体内测到有明显血流供应的实质或厚分隔成分时,结合临床应高度怀疑卵巢原发性乳头状甲状腺癌.     

Likelihood ratio of sonographic findings in discriminating hydrosalpinx from other adnexal masses

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to describe the "waist" sign as a feature of hydrosalpinx and to calculate the likelihood ratio of sonographic findings for predicting that a cystic adnexal mass is a hydrosalpinx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive institutional records were reviewed to identify patients with surgically excised cystic adnexal masses and preoperative sonograms that had been used to identify the mass. Two radiologists blinded to outcome reviewed the sonograms and recorded the presence of five specific sonographic findings: incomplete septation, short linear projection, small round projection, tubular shape, and presence of a waist. The likelihood ratios of these signs and combinations of signs for the diagnosis of hydrosalpinx were calculated. RESULTS: There were 55 patients with 67 cystic adnexal masses. Of the 67 cystic adnexal masses, there were 26 hydrosalpinges (39%), 36 cystic ovarian neoplasms (54%), and five paraovarian masses (7%). The likelihood ratios for the sonographic findings were as follows: incomplete septation, 2.1; short linear projection, 3.5; small round projection, 2.7; tubular shape, 10.5; and waist sign, 20.5. The waist sign in combination with tubular shape was found in 12 hydrosalpinges and no other masses (likelihood ratio of between 18.9 and infinity). Small round projection combined with tubular shape was found in 14 hydrosalpinges and one other mass (likelihood ratio of 22.1). CONCLUSION: Hydrosalpinx can be diagnosed with the highest likelihood when a tubular mass with the waist sign or a tubular mass with small round projections is encountered. Incomplete septations and short linear projections are less discriminating findings of hydrosalpinx.     

Two benign CT presentations of thyroid-related papillary adenocarcinoma

Two cases of thyroid-related papillary adenocarcinoma are presented. Both patients had clinically benign neck masses that were clearly separated from the thyroid gland. In both cases the thyroid gland was normal to clinical evaluation, CT, and 99mTc scanning. One patient had an occult thyroid carcinoma with a solitary metastatic node in the lateral neck, and the other patient had a rare carcinoma in a suprahyoid thyroglossal duct cyst that had been previously misdiagnosed as a cystic hygroma.     

Spectrum of sonographic findings in 125 renal masses other than benign simple cyst

The sonographic findings of 125 renal masses that did not meet the sonographic criteria of benign simple cyst were retrospectively reviewed and correlated with the pathologic diagnosis. Of the 125 masses, 102 were renal cell carcinoma. These carcinomas, two of nine angiomyolipomas, and the 14 other renal masses of various histologic types exhibited a broad spectrum of sonographic findings. Seven of nine angiomyolipomas and the one multiloculated cystic nephroma had a rather characteristic sonographic appearance. With the knowledge of this spectrum of sonographic findings and strict attention to scanning techniques and sonographic criteria, the radiologist should be able to define the characteristics of a variety of renal masses and suggest the correct diagnosis. It should be possible to make the diagnosis of angiomyolipoma confidently if the characteristic sonographic and computed tomographic appearance of these tumors can be demonstrated. In some cases, the correct histologic diagnosis of a renal mass can be made only with biopsy or surgery.     

Paediatric ultrasound. Part 2: Other applications

This article focuses on small-parts US in children. The differential diagnosis of cystic neck masses primarily includes lymphangiomas, thyroglossal duct cysts and branchial cleft cysts. Solid masses may be represented from lymphadenopathies, cervical extensions of mediastinal thymus, fibromatosis colli, rhabdomyosarcomas and neuroblastomas. Salivary gland lesions are uncommon in children. Thyroid is best evaluated by US and nuclear scintigraphy. If US shows abnormal thyroid gland, the isotopic scan may be a good complementary method to confirm the diagnosis. Normal parathyroid glands are not visualised routinely by US because of their small size. Parathyroid adenomas are unusual in paediatrics. Ultrasound can be successfully used in the differential diagnosis of the painful scrotum especially with colour flow Doppler. The hallmark of ischaemia is a completely avascular testis. In the paediatric age group, the most common application of US to the musculoskeletal system is the evaluation of the infant hip in the first 6 months of life; however, the refinement of new transducers has further improved the ability of US equipment to evaluate a variety of other musculoskeletal disorders in children, involving tendons, muscles, nerves as well as soft tissue masses. Ultrasound can be a useful screening tool in newborns suspected of having closed spinal dysraphism.     

肾上腺神经鞘瘤的 CT 表现

目的：分析原发性肾上腺神经鞘瘤的 CT 影像学特征。方法收集6例经病理确诊为肾上腺神经鞘瘤患者的临床及影像学资料。结果6例均表现为边界清楚,类圆形或类椭圆形不均质囊实性肿块。其中2例见钙化,3例见分隔。在增强扫描上,肿物均表现为延迟强化。结论肾上腺神经鞘瘤一般表现为边界清楚、密度不均质的类圆形肿块,多合并囊变,分隔及钙化,强化方式多为延迟强化,具有一定的特征性。     

Thyroglossal duct cysts: sonographic appearances in adults.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous reports have suggested that thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) appear on sonograms as well-defined cystic masses with thin walls and posterior enhancement. In our experience, however, TDCs have a variable sonographic appearance. We report our findings in 40 patients with TDCs and document the variability of sonographic patterns. METHODS: All patients in whom the diagnosis of TDC was made clinically (by at least two head and neck surgeons) and sonography detected a cystic mass related to the hyoid bone were included in this study. Sonograms of 40 patients with TDCs were reviewed. The features evaluated were the location, internal echogenicity, posterior enhancement, presence of septa, solid component, and fistulous tract. The echo pattern was not compared with the biopsy results. RESULTS: Four patterns of TDCs were identified: anechoic (28%), homogeneously hypoechoic with internal debris (18%), pseudosolid (28%), and heterogeneous (28%). The majority showed posterior enhancement (88%), were midline (63%), and infrahyoid in location (83%). Only half of all TDCs showed a typical thin wall. CONCLUSION: On sonograms, TDCs in adults are not simple cysts, as previously suggested, but have a complex pattern ranging from a typical anechoic to a pseudosolid appearance.