Ultrasonography of plantar fibromatosis: Updated case series, review of the literature, and a novel descriptive appearance termed the “comb sign”

Blake E. Cohen, Naveen S. Murthy, Gavin A. McKenzie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this series is to review the appearance of plantar fibromatosis with high-resolution ultrasonography (US) and highlight a new imaging sign termed the “comb sign.” A retrospective study was performed for patients with a clinical diagno- sis of plantar fibromatosis. Charts of 43 patients (age range, 26–77 years; mean age, 54 years) were reviewed to gather patient demographics and symptoms. Several US characteristics were evaluated with emphasis on any new imaging features. A total of 57 plantar fibromas in 43 patients were examined. Plantar fibromatosis was seen as a lobular marginated oval nodule along the superficial plantar fascia involving the cen- tral or medial cord, often at the middle third (84%) of the plantar fascia, showing posterior acoustic enhancement (65%), mixed echogenicity (82%), and intralesional vascularity (53%). Slightly more than half (51%) of the lesions showed a previously unrecognized appearance, designated the comb sign. This sign was more commonly seen in the setting of larger fibromas (P<.05). Plantar fibromatosis is usually a clin- ical diagnosis that can be aided by a typical US appearance. Although the imaging characteristics are largely similar to prior literature, this series suggests that most show mixed echogenicity and posterior acoustic enhancement, and approximately half show internal vascularity. A new US sign, termed the comb sign, shows alternat- ing bands of hypoechogenicity and isoechogenicity, particularly in larger plantar fibromas, and can help in further characterization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2725-2731
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Ultrasound in Medicine
Volume37
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Fibromas
  • Fibromatosis
  • Musculoskeletal (diagnostic)
  • Plantar fibromas
  • Plantar fibromatosis
  • Soft tissue masses
  • Ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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