This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Chen, W. Articles by Wang, J.-R. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Chen, W. Articles by Wang, J.-R.

Soft Tissue Diffuse Neurofibromas

Sonographic Findings

Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.

Address correspondence to Wen Chen, MD, Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Peking University Third Hospital, 100083 Beijing, China. E-mail: chenwen7989{at}yahoo.com

Objective. The purpose of this study was to describe the sonographic findings of soft tissue diffuse neurofibromas. Methods. Seven soft tissue diffuse neurofibromas proven pathologically were retrospectively evaluated. Medical records and histologic examinations were reviewed, and sonograms were analyzed for the echogenicity, location, margin, and vascularity. Results. All identified lesions were hyperechoic masses permeated by multiple interconnecting irregular hypoechoic tubular or nodular structures. All lesions were located in the subcutaneous fat zone, and all had poorly defined margins with adjacent normal subcutaneous fat. The margins between the lesions and the adjacent muscles were well defined in 5 and poorly defined in the other 2. The vascularity was extensive in 5 lesions and scarce in the other 2. Conclusions. Soft tissue diffuse neurofibromas have a characteristic sonographic appearance; therefore, sonography should be considered a useful tool in the initial screening of this disease.

Key Words: diffuse neurofibroma • soft tissue • sonography

Abbreviations: MRI, magnetic resonance imaging • NF1, neurofibromatosis type 1

This article has been cited by other articles:

				D. S. Hassell, L. W. Bancroft, M. J. Kransdorf, J. J. Peterson, T. H. Berquist, M. D. Murphey, and J. C. Fanburg-Smith Imaging Appearance of Diffuse Neurofibroma Am. J. Roentgenol., March 1, 2008; 190(3): 582 - 588. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]