Sonographic findings in a case of scrotal lymphangioma in a 68‐year‐old male

Lymphangiomas are benign tumors resulting from a congenital lymphatic malformation in infant and children. Most common sites are head, neck and axilla, and scrotal lymphangioma is very rare. Lymphangiomas are classified as capillary, cavernous, and cystic type and cystic type is most common. Complete surgical excision is definitive treatment and incomplete excision leads to local recurrence. We report a case of scrotal lymphangioma in 68‐year‐old male patient. Gray‐scale sonography revealed multiseptated, hypoechoic mass abutting the upper pole of the normal right testis. Color Doppler sonography showed no remarkable blood flow in the mass. MRI demonstrated multispetated extratesticular and extraepididymal mass in the right scrotum. Surgical excision was performed and the histopathologic diagnosis was a cystic lymphangioma. In conclusion when multiseptated cystic scrotal mass was discovered in an elderly patient, scrotal lymphangioma should be included in differential diagnosis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 2009     

儿童阴囊内睾丸外肿物的CT和MRI表现

目的探讨儿童阴囊内睾丸外肿物的CT和MR特征。方法回顾性分析经手术病理证实的10例阴囊内睾丸外肿物的CT和MRI资料及临床病理资料,并进行文献复习。结果良性病变7例:婴儿纤维性错构瘤2例,异位副脾、血管畸形、静脉型血管瘤、脓肿、囊肿各1例;恶性病变3例,均为横纹肌肉瘤。临床表现均为阴囊区无痛性肿块,实验室检查多无特点。而影像学表现各异:婴儿纤维性错构瘤表现为阴囊区近腹股沟不均匀密度/信号肿物,增强后轻-中度强化;异位副脾表现为紧贴左侧睾丸上方边界清楚且密度均匀的结节灶,增强后明显均匀强化;血管畸形表现为阴囊内鞘膜下不规则形肿物,T_2WI部分见流空信号,增强后早期明显强化;静脉型血管瘤合并血栓形成表现为睾丸上方精索内侧类圆形边界清楚肿物,呈软组织密度,增强后大部分未见强化;脓肿表现为阴囊纵隔区类圆形肿物,边界模糊,T_2WI呈不均匀稍高信号,DWI呈高信号;囊肿表现为附睾头区典型边界清楚类圆形水样密度灶,增强后未见强化;横纹肌肉瘤表现为睾丸旁密度不均匀肿块,增强后明显强化,其中1例侵犯睾丸并远处转移。结论儿童阴囊内睾丸外肿物种类繁多,以良性病变多见,临床表现无特异性,部分病变具有一定的影像特征,推荐术前选择超声结合MRI检查。     

Color Doppler sonography in evaluation of spermatoceles: the "falling snow" sign.

OBJECTIVE: Doppler sonography is not commonly used in evaluation of cystic lesions with internal echoes. Here we report the use of the mechanical properties of color Doppler sonography to further characterize 3 spermatoceles. METHODS: Three patients who came to University of California San Francisco Imaging Center with painless unilateral scrotal enlargement were evaluated with sonography and were found to have large spermatoceles. Color Doppler sonography was applied to these spermatoceles, and digital video clips were obtained as the color beam was instituted. RESULTS: When color Doppler sonography was applied to each spermatocele, the internal echoes moved away from the transducer, resulting in an appearance similar to falling snow. CONCLUSIONS: The "falling snow" sign can be used to enhance the diagnosis of a spermatocele as well as to evaluate a superficial cystic lesion with echogenic fluid and internal microdebris that is difficult to distinguish from a solid mass.     

Splenic lymphangioma: US and CT diagnosis and clinical manifestations

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: We tried to determine the role and problems of gray-scale sonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and color Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of splenic lymphangioma on the basis of our experience with seven adult cases with this relatively rare tumor. RESULTS: (1) The whole spleen was replaced by a collection of cysts of different sizes with or without calcifications in six patients. In these patients, color Doppler sonography showed the intrasplenic arteries and veins running along the cyst walls. (2) The enlarged spleen occupied the whole upper abdomen and contained numerous small cysts in one patient. The patient was initially diagnosed as having a pancreatic tumor because of the location, but color Doppler sonography clearly demonstrated two vessels (artery and vein) running parallel from the center of the mass. This characteristic vascular structure led to the determination that the mass was the markedly enlarged spleen. (3) The splenic lesion was isolated in six patients but was associated with mesenteric and pleural lymphangioma in one symptomatic patient. CONCLUSIONS: (1) When US shows multiple cysts of different sizes in the spleen, the diagnosis of splenic lymphangioma is not difficult to make with US and CT alone. (2) Color Doppler sonography is a very useful tool to increase diagnostic confidence because it demonstrates the vasculature of the mass. (3) When examining patients with splenic lymphangioma, one should consider the possibility of multiorgan involvement.     

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal chest lymphangioma.

OBJECTIVE: Prenatally diagnosed cystic nuchal hygroma is often associated with chromosomal anomalies and hydrops fetalis. Chest lymphangioma diagnosed later in gestation appears to be a completely different disease, with a low incidence of chromosomal and structural anomalies. METHODS: Two chest cavernous lymphangiomas of the fetus are presented. The sonographic images, chromosomal analyses, and macroscopic and microscopic evaluations are described. RESULTS: Fetal chest cavernous lymphangiomas were identified at 15 and 22 weeks' gestation. In the first case, the couple decided to interrupt gestation. In the second case, prenatal sonography showed a multilocular, cystic lymphangioma external to the chest wall with no flow on Doppler sonography. Follow-up sonography revealed normal fetal growth and slow enlargement of the cystic mass surrounding the left chest cavity. The neonate was delivered without complications and was treated surgically. CONCLUSIONS: The chest lymphangioma appears to be a lesion usually not associated with other congenital abnormalities. The prenatal diagnosis of chest wall lymphangioma is relatively easy sonographically, and the treatment of choice is surgical excision. The outcome is relatively favorable, with a low incidence of chromosomal and structural anomalies.     

Role of color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of endometriotic cyst.

We studied the role of color Doppler ultrasonography in the distinction between endometriomas and other adnexal masses. Three hundred and fifty-two ovarian lesions were studied, comparing sonographic diagnosis with pathologic findings. On color Doppler sonography, an endometriotic cyst usually appeared as a cystic lesion with diffuse internal echoes and low vascularization. The sensitivity and specificity of color Doppler transvaginal sonography in detecting endometriotic cysts were 91.8% and 95.3%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 95.5% and 91.5%, respectively. In our experience, transvaginal sonography with color Doppler interrogation is a useful technique in the diagnosis of pathologic ovarian conditions, including cystic endometriosis.     

浅表组织肿块超声诊断与术后病理对照分析

目的评价高频彩色多普勒血流显像及频谱多普勒对浅表组织肿块诊断价值。方法应用Philipsiu22彩色多普勒高频超声对79例患者的浅表组织肿块进行二维（大小、形态、内部回声）、彩色多普勒（肿块内外血供）及频谱多普勒血流参数（血流速度及阻力指数）检测;并逐一追踪术后病理结果,将二者结果进行对照分析。结果良性病变74例,恶性病变5例;实性病变45例,囊性病变18例,混合性病变16例。超声对病变检出率为100％（79／79）,与术后病理对照诊断符合率96％（76／79）,良恶性病变频谱参数（峰值流速及阻力指数）存在统计学差异（P〈0．05）。结论超声检查具有检出率高和病理符合率高的特点,可作为诊断首选方法,彩色多普勒及频谱参数鉴别肿块的良恶性具有较高的价值。     

The impact of sonography on the management of extratesticular abnormalities of the scrotum

The results of scrotal sonography performed in a recent one-year period (1987) were retrospectively reviewed to assess the role of sonography in the management of patients with extratesticular abnormalities. The study included 226 examinations performed in 204 men. In extratesticular abnormalities, scrotal sonography confirms the clinical impression of the referring physicians, monitors the progress of conservative treatment, and guides the surgical approach. Patients with sonographically classic cystic extratesticular abnormalities rarely come to surgery. Those with complicated cystic abnormalities are usually followed clinically but have a higher incidence of surgery. Those with solid-appearing echogenic abnormalities usually have surgical removal.     

Sonographic appearance of aggressive angiomyxoma of the scrotum.

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare, locally infiltrative tumor that occurs almost exclusively in the pelvic and perineal regions of women of childbearing age. We report the unusual case of a 26-year-old man with an AAM presenting as a slowly enlarging scrotal mass. Gray-scale scrotal sonography demonstrated a well-demarcated, hypoechoic, extratesticular, extraepididymal mass with multiple thin, echogenic internal septa. The mass arose inferior to the left testicle and displaced the testicle cephalad. Color Doppler sonography revealed surrounding vascularity but no Doppler signals within the mass. The testicles and epididymides demonstrated normal echogenicity and vascularity. Histologic examination of the excised mass revealed a well-demarcated, nonencapsulated lesion composed of spindle-shaped cells in a myxoid background with a prominent vascular component.     

Color Doppler sonography of the scrotum

Color Doppler sonography is a noninvasive, rapidly performed, and relatively inexpensive imaging technique for use in the diagnosis of scrotal pathology. Its major and proven role is in the evaluation of patients with acute scrotal pain, for which it is likely to become the primary imaging modality. Further work is needed to determine whether color Doppler is a useful diagnostic adjunct in evaluating patients with varicoceles and scrotal masses.     

Laparoscopic excision of a lymphangioma of the cystic duct

Lymphangiomas are benign tumors that originate from malformations of the lymphatic vessels. They are rarely seen in adults and are extremely rare in the cystic duct. Herein, we report the case of a 48‐year‐old woman who presented with a cystic lymphangioma that originated in the cystic duct and was excised laparoscopically. Preoperative imaging revealed the cystic and benign nature of the lesion. Laparoscopic abdominal exploration and excision of the 10‐cm cystic lymphangioma were performed. Four trocar sites were used, and the excision was achieved using clips and electrocautery. The laparoscopic excision of these benign masses is safe and efficacious in experienced hands. This procedure requires preoperative planning and must be individualized.     

Echo-enhancing sonography of a large-vessel hemangioma of the neck.

Because of the slow flow in the venous spaces of large-vessel hemangiomas, demonstration of color flow signals with conventional color Doppler or power Doppler sonography may be difficult. We report the case of a 22-year-old female patient with a soft tissue tumor containing multiple fluid-filled spaces in the right supraclavicular region. Gray-scale, color, and power Doppler sonography could not differentiate between cystic lymphangioma and large-vessel hemangioma. The intravenous echo-enhancing contrast agent Levovist was administered, and a significant echo-enhancing effect on color and power Doppler imaging was demonstrated in the fluid-filled spaces and lasted for about 3 minutes. Histopathologic study of the excised tumor confirmed the sonographic diagnosis of hemangioma. Levovist appears useful in depicting slow flow in a large-vessel hemangioma.     

彩超对肝脏囊性病变的鉴别诊断价值

目的　探讨彩色多普勒超声在肝脏囊性病变鉴别诊断中的价值。方法　对临床和病理证实的 2 0例肝脏囊性恶性肿瘤、 2 4例肝脓肿和 4 8例肝脏囊性良性肿瘤 (肝囊肿 )的灰阶超声及彩色多普勒超声表现进行了分析。对每类病灶的大小、形态、边界、囊壁回声、囊内分隔及彩色血流的有无、部位、性质进行统计比较。结果　灰阶超声和彩色多普勒超声可以反映肝脏囊性病变的结构特征及血流特征。肝脏囊性恶性肿瘤中 ,囊壁及囊壁结节内检出血流信号、囊内出现分隔、囊壁有结节或乳头的比例显著高于肝脓肿和肝囊肿 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,以囊内检出血流信号为标准 ,鉴别肝囊性恶性肿瘤的敏感性、特异性分别为 85 .0 %和 94 .4 %。结论　灰阶超声在肝脏囊性病变的鉴别诊断中有一定的意义 ,彩色多普勒在囊壁、分隔或乳头上检出血流信号对肝脏囊性恶性肿瘤诊断具有很高的特异性和敏感性     

Thrombotic and Nonthrombotic Types of Intratesticular Varicoceles: Value of Sonography for the Diagnosis

An intratesticular varicocele is an uncommon entity, and its clinical importance remains unclear. The diagnosis can be made in the case of an intratesticular tortuous vein that shows retrograde flow on color Doppler sonography. The anatomic location and course of the intratesticular varicocele within the testicular parenchyma and its association with the existence of an ipsilateral extratesticular varicocele may vary among patients. The pathophysiologic mechanisms remain unclear; however, it may be questioned whether there is an association between testicular atrophy and intratesticular varicocele development. Although the diagnosis is usually made incidentally, patients may rarely present with acute scrotal pain due to acute thrombosis of an intratesticular varicocele.     

Significant predictors for determination of testicular rupture on sonography: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively useful sonographic diagnostic criteria for testicular rupture in patients with blunt scrotal trauma and to determine significant predictors among the criteria. METHODS: From July 2004 to February 2007, 29 consecutive patients (mean age, 22.8 years; range, 20-43 years) with blunt scrotal trauma who underwent scrotal sonography were enrolled. Ten ruptured testes and 6 intact testes were confirmed by surgery, and an additional 13 intact testes were confirmed by a physical examination. The sonographic findings were recorded with respect to contour irregularity, the presence of intratesticular and extratesticular heterogeneous echoes, loss of blood flow on color Doppler sonography, and engorgement of the pampiniform plexus by consensus between 2 radiologists. The sonographic findings used to diagnose testicular rupture were analyzed by the Fisher exact test, and significant predictors were determined by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The ruptured testes showed contour irregularity (P=.0002), a heterogeneous intratesticular echo pattern (P=.0077), and loss of blood flow on color Doppler sonography (P=.0093). Engorgement of the pampiniform plexus was seen in most nonruptured testes (P=.0178). Contour irregularity was the only significant predictor for the diagnosis of testicular rupture (P=.0002). On the basis of this single predictor, diagnostic predictive values for sonography were calculated; the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were all 90%. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 82% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among the useful sonographic criteria, contour irregularity is the only significant predictor for the diagnosis of testicular rupture in patients with blunt scrotal trauma.     

Sonographic findings in a case of scrotal lymphangioma

The scrotum is an extremely rare site for lymphangioma. We report the case of a scrotal lymphangioma in a 20‐year‐old male patient who developed painless scrotal swelling. Typical sonography and MRI findings are shown. Surgical excision and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:234–236, 2014     

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of axillary cystic lymphangiomas.

Cystic lymphangiomas are congenital malformations of the lymphatic system that occur most commonly in the nuchal region. Nuchal lymphangiomas are often referred to as cystic hygromas. Few cases of axillary cystic lymphangioma have been reported, but the prognosis of this lesion appears to be less grave than that of its nuchal counterpart. We present 2 cases of axillary cystic lymphangiomas that were diagnosed on prenatal sonography. In 1 case, prenatal sonography showed a multilocular, large cystic mass on the fetal left side, in the area of the lower chest and upper abdomen. The mass extended from at least the level of the umbilicus up to the neck but did not involve the neck. In the second case, prenatal sonography showed a multilocular, septate axillary cystic lymphangioma external to the chest with no flow on Doppler sonography. Follow-up sonography revealed normal fetal growth and enlargement of the cystic mass surrounding the left humerus. Both infants were delivered without complications and have been managed conservatively.     

Sonographic appearance of a congenital parotid gland hemangiolymphangioma simulating malignancy in an infant

Congenital hemangiolymphangioma, also called mixed angioma, is a benign tumor that very rarely occurs in the parotid gland. We present a rare case of hemangiolymphangioma of the parotid gland in a 4-month-old boy whose clinical and radiologic presentation simulated malignancy. Gray-scale and color Doppler sonography revealed an enlarged left parotid gland and inhomogeneous hypoechoic and hyperechoic areas scattered throughout the gland. Mild internal vascularity was noted on color Doppler sonographic examination. CT revealed a predominantly fatty mass involving the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. The results of fine-needle aspiration cytology were inconclusive, and total parotidectomy was performed. Histopathologic examination of surgical specimens confirmed a diagnosis of hemangio lymphangioma. The patient recovered well and was free of recurrence at the 6-month follow-up visit. To our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe the findings of congenital hemangiolymphangioma of the parotid gland on sonography and CT. This rare diagnosis should be considered in neonates and infants presenting with a rapidly growing parotid gland tumor suggesting malignancy. Histopathologic examination is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.     

Sonographic features of head and neck hemangiomas and vascular malformations: review of 23 patients

The sonographic features of 23 head and neck hemangiomas and vascular malformations are presented. A focal mass lesion was seen in all patients. The predominant sonographic features were a well-defined hypoechoic mass lesion with heterogeneous echotexture and the presence of cystic and sinusoidal spaces within, as well as the occasional presence of phleboliths. Color Doppler imaging demonstrated flow in 12 of 13 lesions. When performing sonography on soft tissue masses in the head and neck, the presence of color Doppler signal in a well-defined hypoechoic mass with heterogeneous echotexture should raise the possibility of an hemangioma.     

Differential diagnosis of hepatic cystic lesions with gray-scale and color Doppler sonography

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of sonography, especially color Doppler sonography, in the differential diagnosis of cystic hepatic lesions. METHODS: Ninety-two pathologically or clinically proven hepatic cystic lesions (20 cystic malignancies, 24 abscesses, and 48 simple cysts) were evaluated with gray-scale and color Doppler sonography. The sonographic features were analyzed retrospectively. The percentage, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the sonographic features of each disease category were calculated. RESULTS: On gray-scale sonography, the simple cysts were easily distinguished from cystic malignancies and abscesses. While no significant differences were found between hepatic cystic malignancies and hepatic abscesses with respect to the number, shape, margin status, and presence of thick wall of the lesion, the presence of septation and mural nodules was significantly higher in the cystic malignancies than in abscesses. The sensitivity and specificity of color Doppler sonography in differentiating cystic malignancies from abscesses and simple cysts were 85% and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Color Doppler sonography provides information about blood flow that supplements that gained on gray-scale sonography, and the presence of color signals in the solid portion of the cystic lesions carries a high diagnostic value in differentiating hepatic cystic malignancies from abscesses and simple cysts.