Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 4, Issue 3 127-134, Copyright © 1985 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Ultrasound evaluation of neck masses in children
N. H. Sherman, H. K. Rosenberg, S. Heyman and J. Templeton
Neck masses in children are a frequent occurrence and in some instances
create a diagnostic dilemma for the clinician. The authors' two-year
experience using ultrasonography in the evaluation of 34 children with neck
masses is reviewed. Twenty-two patients had lesions arising outside the
thyroid gland; 12 lesions arose from the thyroid gland. Ultrasonography
proved to be an accurate imaging modality for localizing the mass and
demonstrating its relationship to the thyroid gland, trachea, and major
neck vessels. The borders and extent of the lesions were well outlined, as
well as their internal consistency. Based on this review, the authors
recommend that ultrasonography be the first screening procedure in
pediatric patients who present with perplexing neck masses.
