Lipoma subgaleal: Descripción ecográfica

Abstract

Subgaleal lipomas. Ultrasound findings Background: Lipomas are frequent benign soft tissue tumors. They are classified as superficial or deep. In the head, they are localized under the galea or epicraneal aponeurosis. Clinically, they present as non symptomatic smooth tumors. Aim: To describe ultrasound (US) findings of subgaleal lipomas. Material and methods: Retrospective review of seven patients aged between 31 and 52 years (five males) with subgaleal lipomas. Results: All lipomas were localized in the forehead. At US, they appeared as solid masses; 43% were isoechoic and 47% hyperechoic compared to subcutaneous tissue. The average size was 13 mm. They had a semi spherical shape, with a flat base and a convex surface, a regular margin, no vascular vessels at Doppler ultrasound and were surrounded by the galea. Discussion: In this series of patients, all masses had a similar US appearance that suggested the diagnosis of lipoma (Rev Méd Chile 2008; 136: 334-7).

Subgaleal Lipoma: Imaging Findings

“…Subgaleal lipoma is a heterotopic tumor of adipose tissue typically occurring between the periosteum and the galea aponeurosis (epicranial aponeurosis) of the scalp [4]. Most of the subgaleal lipomas described in the literature are located in the forehead, but they can also develop in other parts of the scalp as in the case of two patients in our case series [1,4].…”

“…Galea aponeurosis (white arrow) appears as a fine linear hypoechoic structure between the mass and the subcutaneous fat of the scalp. [1]. Most of these lesions appear iso-or hyperechoic compared to the adjacent fat [1].…”

“…[1]. Most of these lesions appear iso-or hyperechoic compared to the adjacent fat [1]. They contain multiple thin internal echogenic lines parallel to the long axis of the tumor [1,5].…”

“…Most of these lesions appear iso-or hyperechoic compared to the adjacent fat [1]. They contain multiple thin internal echogenic lines parallel to the long axis of the tumor [1,5]. Besides subgaleal lipoma, the differential diagnosis of scalp lumps also includes epidermoid cysts, dermoid cysts, trichilemmal cysts, intraosseous hemangiomas and other vascular malformations, and malignant lesions such as lymphoma, carcinoma, and metastasis [2].…”

“…Ultrasound is usually the first imaging technique used to investigate soft tissue masses of the scalp due to its accessibility and affordability. Lipoma of the scalp can be easily diagnosed on ultrasound because of its semi-spherical shape and the presence of thin internal echogenic lines parallel to the long axis of the tumor [1]. Subgaleal lipoma is recognized by the location between the galea aponeurosis and the cranial bone, most of them being reported in the forehead [2,3].…”