title: The quadratus lumborum muscle: a possible source of confusion in sonographic evaluation of the retroperitoneum.
abstract: The quadratus lumborum muscle has been noted to appear as a hypoechoic structure on sonograms of the abdomen. On occasion its appearance may simulate a pathologic fluid collection such as an abscess or retroperitoneal hematoma. Illustrative examples of this confusing appearance, as well as ways of avoiding this potential pitfall, are presented.
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis*; D000328:Adult; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles; D014463:Ultrasonography