BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the feasibility of ultrasonography in the distinction between well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) and intramuscular lipoma (IL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three WDLSs and 9 ILs were included. Gray scale images were assessed for echogenicity, textural pattern and margins. Power Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess the number of detectable flow velocity signals in a 3 x 3 cm area. Furthermore, the ratio of the area occupied by colour flow signals relative to the selected area was determined. RESULTS: Gray scale images showed no differences between WDLSs and ILs. However, power Doppler showed more than 2 flow velocity signals in all WDLSs, whereas only 11% of the ILs had 2 signals. In all WDLSs, colour flow signals occupied more than 30% of the selected area. In contrast, ILs were characterized by a low color-dot ratio. Histologically, increased vascularity was found close to malignant cell invasions. CONCLUSION: Power Doppler ultrasonography is feasible to evaluate increased vascularity and thus differentiate WDLSs from ILs.
BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the feasibility of ultrasonography in the distinction between well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) and intramuscular lipoma (IL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three WDLSs and 9 ILs were included. Gray scale images were assessed for echogenicity, textural pattern and margins. Power Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess the number of detectable flow velocity signals in a 3 x 3 cm area. Furthermore, the ratio of the area occupied by colour flow signals relative to the selected area was determined. RESULTS: Gray scale images showed no differences between WDLSs and ILs. However, power Doppler showed more than 2 flow velocity signals in all WDLSs, whereas only 11% of the ILs had 2 signals. In all WDLSs, colour flow signals occupied more than 30% of the selected area. In contrast, ILs were characterized by a low color-dot ratio. Histologically, increased vascularity was found close to malignant cell invasions. CONCLUSION: Power Doppler ultrasonography is feasible to evaluate increased vascularity and thus differentiate WDLSs from ILs.