Pilomatricomas: the diagnostic value of ultrasound

Skeletal Radiol. 2010 Mar;39(3):243-50. doi: 10.1007/s00256-009-0678-x. Epub 2009 Mar 19.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze statistically significant diagnostic factors for pilomatricoma on the basis of ultrasonographic features.

Methods: Sonographic images were retrospectively reviewed from 44 pilomatricomas, and from 43 control subjects with other subcutaneous tumors. Two radiologists determined the tumoral shape, margin, echotexture, echogenicity, posterior shadowing, posterior enhancement, hypoechoic rim, internal calcification, and vascularity.

Results: The reliable diagnostic factors for pilomatricoma were hypoechogenicity (P < 0.001), heterogenicity (P < 0.05), internal calcification (P < 0.001), hypoechoic rim (P < 0.001), and posterior shadowing (P < 0.001). Scattered dots were the most common patterns of internal calcification. A combination of hypoechogenicity, heterogenicity, internal calcification of scattered-dot pattern, and a hypoechoic rim was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001; odds ratio, 21).

Conclusions: The features of heterogeneous echotexture, internal echogenic foci in scattered-dot pattern, and a hypoechoic rim or posterior shadowing itself could be discriminative ultrasonographic criteria for differentiating pilomatricomas from other subcutaneous tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hair Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilomatrixoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography / methods*
  • Young Adult