Sonopalpation for Ultrasound Evaluation of Plunging Ranula.

Background: Ultrasound (US) has been supported as a preferred imaging technique to evaluate neck masses suspicious for plunging ranula, but to date, there have been no reports addressing the role of adjunctive sonopalpation.

Objectives: In this proof-of-concept technical case series, we describe the technique of sonopalpation and provide surgical and pathological correlates.

Methods: Patients with surgically-treated plunging ranula were identified from the senior author's case log. Three patients were included in a retrospective chart review targeting imaging results, surgical findings, and final pathology results.

Results: US with sonopalpation identified anatomy consistent with plunging ranula in all 3 cases. These findings were confirmed surgically and pathologically.

Conclusion: US with sonopalpation was effective in demonstrating anatomic abnormalities consistent with plunging ranula. Sonopalpation helped define relationships between the sublingual gland, ranula fluid, and the frequently-associated mylohyoid dehiscence. Sonopalpation is a useful adjunctive technique to standard US in the evaluation of plunging ranula. Additional investigation into this technique may be helpful in further evaluating its use in the diagnostic process.