Ganglion-like Lesions of the Foot on the Ultrasonography

Chun, Kyung Ah; Shin, Dong Hwan; Seo, Dong Hyun; Singh, Kanwarjot; Suh, Jin Soo

Abstract

PURPOSE
The authors have experienced various lesions that simulate ganglion of the foot on the ultrasonography. The purpose of this study is to evaluate ultrasonographic findings of soft tissue lesions, which were interpreted as ganglion but confirmed as different lesions in the foot.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed a database of patients with ganglion on the ultrasonography from two different institutions. There were 109 patients who underwent both ultrasonography and surgical confirmation. Twenty one lesions were identified, of which initial interpretation on the ultrasonography included ganglion which pathology revealed to be different lesions. All images were evaluated by one musculoskeletal radiologist, regarding size, margins, internal echogenicity of lesions, and presence of posterior enhancement.
RESULTS
Of 21 lesions, there were 6 fibrous tumors including fibroma, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, and fibromatosis, 3 hemangiomas, 2 epidermal inclusion cysts, 2 chondromas, 2 angioleiomyomas, 1 trichilemal cyst, 1 neurofibroma, 1 granular cell tumor, 1 neurilemmoma, 1 neuromyxoma, and 1 nodular hidradenoma. Mean size of the lesion was 1.1 cm. Margins were smooth in 10, mild lobulation in 8 and marked lobulation in 3 lesions. Lesions were hypoechoic in 16, anechoic in 4 and isoechoic in 1 case. Posterior acoustic enhancement was definitely present in 5 lesions.
CONCLUSION
On the ultrasonography, various soft tissue lesions of the foot may be confused with ganglion. During surgical resection care should be given even to a simple ganglion as it might turn up to be a solid lesions such as fibrous tumors.