Learning objectives
Describe the anatomy of the soft tissues.
Present cases of superficialsoft tissuepathology,describe pathologicfindings and the application of ultrasound invarious forms of musculoskeletal disease.
Background
Soft-tissue pathologies are commonly encountered in clinical practice.
Nowadays,
ultrasound is commonly used as the first imaging technique allowingan approach to the soft tissue pathology and may help to localize the site and extent of the disease,
clarify conditions with similar clinical presentation,
or even reach a definitive diagnosis,
finally itprovides guidance for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Findings and procedure details
Ultrasound anatomy:
Epidermis/Dermis: Single echogenic layer.
Subcutaneous fatty tissue: Generally hypoechoic with hyperechoic fibrous septa.
Fascial planes: Hyperechoic.
Muscle: Striated appeareance.(1)
1st.
case:48 year old male with acute arm swelling after venipuncture.
CELLULITIS
Infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Main role is the detection of occult abscess.
US can assess patency of venous structures.
US findings are not pathognomonic (e.g heart failure,
lymphedema).
Findings: Thickening and increased echogenicity of the subcutaneous soft tissue,
hypoechoic strands between the hyperechoic fat and connective tissue (cobblestone appearance...
Conclusion
Musculoskeletal tissues are accesible to examination by ultrasound.
This technique combined with medical history is a valuable first approach tool for soft tissue pathology and also to make an specific diagnosis,provides guidance for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches,
and may suggest further imaging evaluation.
Personal information
M.
Pardo Antunez,
fourth-year resident,
Department of Diagnostic Imaging and therapeutics,
Hospital GeneralUniversitario Vall d´Hebron.
E.I.
Castella Fierro,
Attending Radiologist,
Body ultrasound section,Hospital GeneralUniversitario Vall d´Hebron.
X.Guri,Attending Radiologist,
Body ultrasound section,Hospital GeneralUniversitario Vall d´Hebron.
A.
Rivas,Attending Radiologist,Musculoskeletal section,Hospital GeneralUniversitario Vall d´Hebron.
C.
Hernández,first-year resident,
Department of Diagnostic Imaging and therapeutics,
Hospital GeneralUniversitario Vall d´Hebron.
e-mail adress of the first author:
[email protected]
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