[Analysis of ultrasonic features of abdominal and retroperitoneal lipoblastoma in children].
In a retrospective series of six pathology-confirmed pediatric abdominal or retroperitoneal lipoblastomas, ultrasound commonly showed solitary, large, well-defined, predominantly hyperechoic masses with cord-like fat-like echogenic areas, and prospectively suggested lipoblastoma in five cases.
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In a retrospective series of six pathology-confirmed pediatric abdominal or retroperitoneal lipoblastomas, ultrasound commonly showed solitary, large, well-defined, predominantly hyperechoic masses with cord-like fat-like echogenic areas, and prospectively suggested lipoblastoma in five cases.
Research significance
Evidence: this small descriptive series identifies ultrasound features that may support recognition and follow-up of pediatric abdominal or retroperitoneal lipoblastoma; inference: if validated in larger comparative cohorts, these features could improve diagnostic triage and surveillance, but the record provides no evidence of treatment selection, reduced toxicity, or improved outcomes.
Source abstract
To analyze the ultrasonic features of abdominal and retroperitoneal lipoblastoma in children. A retrospective analysis was performed on the ultrasonic images of 6 children with abdominal and retroperitoneal lipoblastoma confirmed by surgical and pathology in Tianjin Children's Hospital from July 2019 to January 2025. There were 1 male and 5 females, with a median age of 5 years (range: 5 months to 6 years). All patients presented with a single lesion, 2 located in the retroperitoneum, 2 in the mesentery, and 2 in the greater omentum. The median maximum diameter was 98.5 mm (range: 43-130 mm), and all masses were larger than 30 mm in maximum diameter. Ultrasound findings: well-defined margins in 6 cases, lobulated morphology was seen in 4 cases. Irregular ring-shaped extensive calcification with posterior acoustic shadow was detected in 1 case, cystic areas within the masses were noted in 2 cases, small vessel penetration in the masses was visualized in 2 cases, blood flow signals within the masses were detectable in 3 cases. All 6 cases showed a predominantly hyperechoic mass with cord-like hyperechoic areas (fat-like echogenicity). Preoperative ultrasound suggested lipoblastoma in 5 cases, and teratoma in 1 case at initial diagnosis. The typical ultrasonic features of abdominal and retroperitoneal blastoma in children are solitary, large, possibly lobulated, and well-defined fat-like echo masses, with certain characteristic ultrasonic manifestations. Combined with clinical characteristics such as age, ultrasound as a safe and non-invasive imaging method, can be used as a routine examination for screening and the main method for long-term follow-up.