Image Interpretation: LAX view, ill-defined mass abutting the anterior tibial artery between the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus tendons. 2.7 x 0.8 x 1.1 cm. Notable blood flow proximally and within mass observed with Doppler.
Teaching Pearl: Glomus tumors are classically found in the digits, especially the fingers, so extradigital foot lesions can be difficult to recognize. Symptomatically, they can present with pinpoint tenderness, paroxysmal pain, and cold sensitivity, although the full triad may not be present.
Ultrasound with Doppler can strengthen the diagnosis by identifying a small hypoechoic, tender, hypervascular soft tissue mass. When these findings are present, the lesion should not be aspirated. MRI or surgical referral can be appropriate for confirmation and management.
References:
1. Catalano O, Alfageme Roldan F, Solivetti FM, Scotto di Santolo M, Bouer M, Wortsman X. Color Doppler sonography of extradigital glomus tumors. J Ultrasound Med. 2017;36(1):231-238. doi:10.7863/ultra.16.03023
2. Serra del Carpio G, Pena Burgos EM, Pozo Kreilinger JJ, Bernabeu Taboada D, Peletero Pensado M, Tapia Vine M. Case series of extradigital glomus tumors: imaging findings, differential diagnosis and radiologic-pathologic correlation. Egypt J Radiol Nucl Med. 2024;55:10. doi:10.1186/s43055-023-01178-8
3. Trehan SK, Soukup DS, Mintz DN, Perino G, Ellis SJ. Glomus tumors in the foot: case series. Foot Ankle Spec. 2015;8(6):460-465. doi:10.1177/1938640015583514