Soft tissue diffuse neurofibromas: sonographic findings.

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.