Retroperitoneal sarcoma: ultrasonographic and angiographic evaluation

Fifteen patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma were examined by angiography. Preoperative abdominal ultrasonography was performed in nine of them. Ultrasonography demonstrated in all nine cases a solid mass with characteristic echo-pattern with an echo-rich central area and an echo-poor periphery. Angiography demonstrated an avascular mass in one case, a hypovascular in four, and a hypervascular in ten cases. The techniques of both methods are discussed. The value of ultrasonography as a diagnostic procedure at the time of initial evaluation and angiography as an important diagnostic tool for localization of the mass and for achievement of anatomical details important for surgery is stressed.