Study of neurinomas with ultrasound contrast media: review of a case series to identify characteristic imaging patterns

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there exists a characteristic distribution pattern of vessels within neurinomas that may be used to characterise this type of lesion by employing a contrast-specific ultrasound technique.Between January 2003 and May 2010, 66 suspected neurinomas were evaluated according to their sonographic features (solid fusiform mass with well-defined margins located in direct continuity with the nerve that was not always discernible and heterogeneous as a result of the presence of small cystic areas or calcifications). The lesions were examined using a sonographic contrast medium consisting of sulphur hexafluoride microbubbles and equipment with dedicated co…