Image Interpretation: There is a hypoechoic echogenic ovoid mass measuring approximately 1.1 cm in width by 0.5 cm in thickness by approximately 2.4 cm in length that appeared to be arising and continuous with the distal portion of the superficial fibular nerve. The mass was non compressible, had no significant vascular flow on color Doppler, and had posterior acoustic enhancement. There was tenderness on sonopalpation.
Teaching Pearl: Ultrasound can be helpful in evaluating many superficial soft tissue masses because it can assess echotexture, vascularity, compressibility, and real-time correlation with symptoms. A peripheral nerve sheath tumor should be suspected when a fusiform hypoechoic mass is continuous with a nerve entering and exiting the lesion.
An important point is to prove whether a mass is nerve-related before attempting aspiration or injection. Progressive neurologic deficit, rapid growth, marked vascularity, or atypical features should prompt MRI with contrast and specialty referral.
References:
1. Jacobson JA, Middleton WD, Allison SJ, et al. Ultrasonography of superficial soft-tissue masses: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus conference statement. Radiology. 2022;304(1):18-30. doi:10.1148/radiol.211101
2. Griffith JF. Practical approach to ultrasound of soft tissue tumors and the added value of MRI: how I do it. J Ultrason. 2023;23(95):e299-e312. doi:10.15557/JoU.2023.0036
3. Lefebvre G, Le Corroller T. Ultrasound and MR imaging of peripheral nerve tumors: the state of the art. Skeletal Radiol. 2023;52(3):405-419. doi:10.1007/s00256-022-04087-5