| Brachial Plexus Tumors Detected on Ultrasonography without Equivalent Electrodiagnostic Findings: A Case Series |
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Received: 13 September 2016 • Revised: 24 October 2016 • Accepted: 24 October 2016 |
| Abstract |
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Tumors of the brachial plexus are difficult to diagnose because they are rare and manifest various and vague symptoms. We experienced two cases of brachial plexus tumors in patients with paresthesia of the upper limb without a palpable mass, for which electrodiagnostic studies failed to detect the lesion, but instead, ultrasonography rather played an important role in the appropriate diagnosis. Ultrasonography is a cost-effective repeatable modality that can change scanning planes efficiently. In addition, it can detect the relationship of a tumor to its parent nerve and to surrounding structures owing to its high degree of soft tissue contrast and helps to exclude differential diagnoses such as lymphadenopathy, lipomas, angiomas, and brachial cleft cyst. Therefore, in cases where a brachial plexus lesion is clinically suspected and electrodiagnostic findings are not compatible with brachial plexopathy, we recommend careful ultrasonographic scanning of the brachial plexus from cervical roots to the branching level. |
| Key Words:
brachial plexus, neoplasms, ultrasonography |
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