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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2007; 11(2): 174-191
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1001882
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Ultrasound Evaluation of Soft Tissue Masses and Fluid Collections

Stacy E. Smith1 , John Salanitri2 , David Lisle2
  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
  • 2Queensland Diagnostic Imaging, Holy Spirit Northside Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 December 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal ultrasound has utility as a first-line screening modality in the evaluation of soft tissue masses. The sonographic appearances of cysts or lipomas may be sufficient to obviate the need for further imaging. For other complex cystic or solid masses, ultrasound is an inexpensive, widely available imaging modality that can evaluate lesion vascularity, guide diagnostic and therapeutic aspiration or biopsy procedures, and be used for follow-up examinations to determine response to therapeutic interventions.

KEYWORDS

Soft tissue - mass - ultrasound - fluid collection

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Stacy E SmithM.D. 

Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Division of Musculoskeletal Imaging, University of Maryland School of Medicine

22 South Greene St., Baltimore, MD 21201

Email: ssmith@umm.edu

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