European Journal of Rheumatology
Invited Reviews

Ultrasound Evaluation of Soft Tissue Masses and Parotid Gland in Clinical Rheumatology

1.

Department of Rheumatology, Hospital University of Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain

2.

Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Sant Joan Despí Moisès Broggi, Barcelona, Spain

Eur J Rheumatol 2024; 11: Supplement S290-S297
DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2024.20191
Read: 1187 Downloads: 1118 Published: 02 July 2024

Abstract
Soft tissue masses are very common and may appear in the context of rheumatic diseases. They usually occur alone but may occasionally be part of the syndromes and can sometimes involve periarticular tissues. Soft tissue masses can be divided into several categories. In this article, we have categorized them into 3 different groups: (1) pseudotumors, (2) benign tumors, and (3) malignant tumors. Parotid enlargement will also be discussed in this study. The majority of Soft tissue masses are pseudotumors or benign tumors, which can be easily characterized with ultrasound, therefore, considered the first screening tool in the study of this type of lesion. If the tumor is deep or poorly accessible, or present with suspected signs of malignancy, the sonographer may suggest expanding the study with magnetic resonance imaging and/or an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the lesion. Ultrasound is also a good technique for the parotid and submandibular glands and is very useful for evaluating and monitoring Sjogren’s syndrome.

Cite this article as: Corominas H, Reina D, Navarro V, Camacho O. Ultrasound evaluation of soft tissue masses and parotid gland in clinical rheumatology. Eur J Rheumatol. 2024;11(suppl 3):S290- S297.

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