[Echography of palpable abdominal masses in adults. Apropos of 92 cases]

A retrospective study was conducted of 92 cases of palpable abdominal masses in adults, lesions being of undetermined origin clinically but verified by ultrasound imaging. Final distribution of organs affected showed considerable divergence between the different intra- and retro-peritoneal organs and the various pathological conditions involved, with a predominance of malignant tumors. This dispersion means that a discriminating examination such as ultrasonography must be practised. Ultrasound imaging was able to identify the affected organ in 86 p. 100 cases using a precise semiological analysis (mass center, interface). Diagnostic difficulties (14 p. 100 cases) are due to restrictions in semiological factors, large masses, and certain topographic or morphologic clinical forms. Ultrasound regularly provides macroscopic data: shape of mass, and size reduced by approximately 15 p. 100 in all cases. Regional and metastatic extension is also underestimated in approximately 1/4 cases. If these limitations are accepted, the use of ultrasonography appears to be the primary procedure required, this determining the therapeutic decision.