Ultrasound and MRI Correlations with Pathological Findings in Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma of Peripheral Nerves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and pathology with Fibrolipomatous Hamartoma (FLH) of the peripheral nerve.

Sixteen patients who underwent surgical treatment for FLH of the peripheral nerve were included in the study. Ultrasound examination and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were used to display the detailed anatomical structure of the region well enough to detect FLH. The features presented based on the results of ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging were recorded.

The involved peripheral nerve showed expansive growth in ultrasonography and MRI. The hyperechoic fat tissue and hypoechoic nerve fibers alternated with one another. In ultrasonography and MRI, the peripheral nerve exhibited a lotus-like appearance in the transverse plane, and a cable-like appearance in the longitudinal plane, while there was no blood flow signal in the nerve.

The imaging features of FLH, including the characteristic lotus-like and cable-like appearances, align closely with pathological findings, underscoring the diagnostic value of ultrasonography and MRI. These non-invasive techniques facilitate differentiation from other peripheral nerve pathologies, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or hemangioma. Limitations include the retrospective design, small MRI subgroup, and lack of longterm follow-up. Future multicenter studies with larger cohorts are recommended to validate these findings.

Ultrasonography and MRI may be valuable in the diagnosis of FLH of the peripheral nerve.