US of Pediatric Superficial Masses of the Head and Neck.

Superficial palpable masses of the head and neck are common in the pediatric population, with the vast majority of the lesions ultimately proven to be benign. Duplex ultrasonography (US) has emerged as the first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of superficial pediatric masses. Without utilizing radiation, iodinated contrast material, or sedation and/or anesthesia, US provides a means for quick and cost-effective acquisition of information, including the location, size, shape, internal content, and vascularity of the mass. In this review, the US findings are described for a variety of common and uncommon pediatric head and neck masses diagnosed in our practice. Specifically, the entities covered include neonatal scalp hematoma, craniosynostosis, dermoid and epidermoid cysts, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, lymph nodes and their complications, fibromatosis colli, thyroglossal duct cyst, branchial cleft cyst, cervical thymus, congenital goiter, thyroid papillary carcinoma, parathyroid adenoma, hemangioma, lymphangioma, jugular vein phlebectasia, Lemierre syndrome, acute parotitis and parotid abscess, leukemia and/or lymphoma, neurogenic tumor, and rhabdomyosarcoma. Ultimately, in situations in which the head or neck mass is too large, deep, or hyperechoic to be fully assessed within the US field of view, or if malignancy or a high-flow vascular lesion is suspected, then further evaluation with cross-sectional imaging is warranted. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2018.

Sonography of pediatric superficial lumps and bumps: illustrative examples from head to toe.

Superficial lumps and bumps are extremely common in children, and the vast majority ultimately prove to be benign. Duplex/color Doppler ultrasound (US) has emerged as the first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of these superficial pediatric masses because it provides a means for rapid acquisition of information including size, shape, location, internal content and vascularity. More important, it does so without utilizing radiation, iodinated contrast material or sedation/anesthesia. In this review, we present the sonographic findings of a variety of cases ranging from head to toe that are either uncommonly seen or were diagnosed in an atypical fashion (i.e. ultrasound). In situations where the lesion is too deep, hyperechoic or large to be fully assessed within the field of view or if malignancy is suspected, then additional cross-sectional imaging is warranted for further evaluation.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis masquerading as a postbiopsy abscess.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare condition of unknown etiology with nonspecific findings. We present an unusual case of IGM manifesting after breast biopsy in a 42-year-old Turkish woman. IGM should be considered in the differential diagnosis when mastitis, carcinoma, and systemic diseases have been excluded and especially in the setting of a postbiopsy infection that is not responsive to antibiotic therapy.