Korean J Dermatol.
2023 Jan;61(1):22-28.
Ultrasonographic Findings of Subungual Glomus Tumors: An Analysis of 20 Cases
- Affiliations
-
- 1Departments of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- 2Departments of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Abstract
- Background
Glomus tumors are benign vascular tumors derived from the glomus body, a neuromuscular vascular tissue responsible for regulating the temperature and blood flow of the skin. Ultrasonography (USG) is a useful tool for diagnosing glomus tumors; nevertheless, data on Korean patients with glomus tumors are limited.
Objective
This study aimed to describe USG findings of subungual glomus tumors in Korean patients.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and USG readings of 20 cases of glomus tumors in the nail apparatus diagnosed from January 2015 to December 2021.
Results
Twenty patients were included in this study. Four patients (20.0%) were male and 16 (80.0%) were female. The age of onset ranged from 18∼86 years, with a mean of 45.2 years. USG findings showed hypoechoic echogenicity in all cases. Tumor size ranged from 2.3∼10 mm (mean±standard deviation, 5.5±1.9 mm). The tumor shape observed on USG was oval in 16 cases (80.0%), lobulated in three cases (15.0%), and round in one case (5.0%). Tumor boundaries were well-defined in 18 cases (90.0%) and ill-defined in two cases. Posterior acoustic enhancement and cortical erosion were observed in 19 (95.0%) and 17 cases (85.0%), respectively. Increased vascularity was observed in 19 cases (95.0%).
Conclusion
This study revealed characteristic USG features of glomus tumors. USG is a helpful tool for the diagnosis and management of glomus tumors.
