Objective To investigate the method, effectiveness, andclinical application of the anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps for reconstruction of the soft tissue defects in the head and the four limbs after tumorresection. Methods From April 2004 to April 2006, 16 patients (13 males, 3 females; aged 26-72 years) with the soft tissue defects in the head (9 patients) and the four limbs (7 patients) underwent reconstructive operations with the anterolateral thigh perforator free flaps after their tumor resection. The defects ranged in area from 8 cm×6 cm to 20 cm×13 cm in the head with the process of diseases from 6 to 24 months, and the defects ranged in area from 10 cm×7 cm to 21 cm× 12 cm in the four limbs with the process of diseases from 2 to 18 months.The technique for the anterolateral thigh perforator flap freegrafting, the degree of the injury in the donor sites, and the appearance of the donor and recipient sites, and the influence on the anatomy and function in the both local sites were analyzed. Results In the 16 patients with the soft tissue defects in the head and the four limbs after tumor resection, 14 had a primary wound healing (Stage Ⅰ), and 2 had a delayed wound healing (Stage Ⅱ) . Fifteen flaps survived completely but two flaps had a partial failure. Theflap appearance was good and smooth without any severe scarring, and there was a minimal effect on the function at the donor and recipient sites. Conclusion Because of the less morbidity at the donor site, the better result at the recipient site, and the use of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap free grafting, this kind of the technique for reconstruction of the head and fourlimb soft tissue defects after tumor resection is well acceptable.
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of ultrasound images for soft tissue lymphoma and discuss the diagnostic value of ultrasonography. MethodsBetween January 2008 and August 2014, the ultrasound images of 25 soft tissue lymphomas confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsOf the total 25 patients with soft tissue lymphoma (histological types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), there were 10 females and 15 males. Among them, 14 had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (56%, 14/25). There was a primary lymphoma located in the lower leg, and all the rest 24 cases were secondary lymphoma. Of the 24 secondary cases, 19 presented solitary lesion located respectively in limbs (8 cases), trunk (7 cases) and head & neck (4 cases); the other 5 cases presented multiple lesions located respectively in limbs and trunk. Among all the lesions, 12 were located in muscular layer, presenting weak echo mass with irregular shape growing along the direction of muscular fibers; and 13 were located in skin and subcutaneous soft tissue, among which 4 cases showed diffused thickening of skin and subcutaneous layer with irregular hypoechoic areas on ultrasound examination, and 9 cases showed nodular or hypoechoic irregular shaped lesion, iso-hyperechoic, with heterogeneous internal echogenecity having unclear boundary. ConclusionUnderstanding the characteristics of soft tissue lymphoma on ultrasound images will help to improve diagnostic accuracy.