Multiparametric Ultrasound in the Differential Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Tumors: A Comprehensive Review
Fabrizio Termite,
Linda Galasso,
Giacomo Capece,
Federica Messina,
Giorgio Esposto,
Maria Elena Ainora,
Irene Mignini,
Raffaele Borriello,
Raffaele Vitiello,
Giulio Maccauro,
Antonio Gasbarrini,
Maria Assunta Zocco
Affiliations
Fabrizio Termite
Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Linda Galasso
Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Giacomo Capece
Department of Orthopaedics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Federica Messina
Department of Orthopaedics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Giorgio Esposto
Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Maria Elena Ainora
Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Irene Mignini
Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Raffaele Borriello
Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Raffaele Vitiello
Department of Orthopaedics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Giulio Maccauro
Department of Orthopaedics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Antonio Gasbarrini
Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Maria Assunta Zocco
Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
Soft tissue tumors (STTs) are a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal neoplasms requiring accurate differentiation for optimal patient management. While histopathology remains the gold standard, imaging plays a crucial role in non-invasive assessment. Multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) has emerged as a promising, cost-effective alternative to MRI, integrating B-mode, color and power Doppler, shear wave elastography (SWE), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to provide comprehensive morphological, vascular, and biomechanical insights. Each modality offers distinct yet complementary diagnostic value, enhancing accuracy and potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies. This narrative review aims to serve as a practical guide, providing a readily accessible reference for mpUS parameters useful in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors.
