[The diagnosis of posttraumatic neuroma via sonography and CT]

The sonographic CT and myelographic findings in three peripheral amputation neuromas are described, as well as a cauda equina neuroma following a tear of the lumbar plexus. Sonographically, the peripheral neuromas produced low intensity echoes with sharp differentiation from their highly echogenic surroundings. On CT the neuromas were hypodense, compared with muscle, measuring between 40 and 60 HU and showing only minimal enhancement after contrast. The cauda equina neuroma was shown on myelography as an intradural filling defect situated on the cranial aspect of a traumatic pseudomeningocoele. In view of their characteristic appearances, and the possibility of identifying trigger points, sonography appears to be the method of choice in the diagnosis of peripheral neuromas.