Case Series: Multiple Soft Tissue Lesions Demonstrated by Sonography and MRI Correlation

Abstract

Varied diagnostic imaging techniques may often be used in tandem, to enhance and complement each other, when an initial imaging diagnosis appears equivocal. Diagnostic medical sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are imaging techniques that often complement each another. Sonography is an excellent diagnostic technique to determine the consistency of a soft tissue mass (e.g., solid vs cystic), and its relationship to adjacent structures, size, and shape. Sonography is especially useful for evaluating palpable lumps and allows sonographers to perform targeted examinations around the area of interest. In addition, color and pulsed-wave Doppler enable further characterization of a lesion’s presence or lack of vascularity. Sonography can also guide core-needle biopsy of superficial lesions. However, sonography is less reliable for deep masses in large anatomical regions. The American College of Radiology recommends MRI for deeper lesions of this type. Magnetic resonance imaging is also recommended for soft tissue masses suspected to be localized to the peripheral nervous system.