Overview of Ultrasound Imaging Applications in Dermatology

Abstract

Complete visualization of lesions is critical for the accurate diagnosis and management of dermatological diseases. Currently, the most readily available technologies used by dermatologists include dermoscopy and photography. Nevertheless, ultrasound has emerged as a useful non-invasive modality in dermatology, which can be added to the clinical examination supporting an early and more accurate diagnosis. Moreover, there are significant technological advances in recent years, such as the development of handheld devices and ultra-high frequency probes that have expanded the integration of ultrasound into daily dermatology practice. In this article, we reviewed the most common applications of ultrasound in the field of dermatology.

Keywords: high‐frequency ultrasound; imaging; skin sonography; ultrasound.

Figure 1

(a) Normal ultrasound anatomy of the skin (3D reconstruction of greyscale with color filter). (b) Nail (color Doppler longitudinal view of the nail of the index finger with the blood flow in colors). (c) Hair.

Figure 2

Hidradenitis Suppurativa. (a) shows ballooning of a hair follicle (*, arrow) that is protruding into the periphery of a tunnel (donor of keratin sign). (b) presents dilation of the regional hair follicles (*). (c) demonstrate a 6.45 cm (length) x 0.5 cm (thickness) hypoechoic band-like structure that corresponds to a tunnel that runs in the dermis and upper subcutaneous tissue. (d) Doppler ultrasounds demonstrate hypervascularity in the periphery of the tunnel.

Figure 3

The ultrasonographic images of conventional and newly developing ultrasound. (a) Healthy scalp depicted by conventional ultrasound. (b) Healthy scalp depicted by ultra-high-frequency (UHF) ultrasound. (c) Scalp of androgenetic alopecia depicted by UHF ultrasound. AGA, androgenetic alopecia; DM, dermis; SC, subcutis.