Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Typical diagnostic process in dermatology includes clinical assessment, dermoscopic and histopathologic examination. Microsonography was initiated in seventies and much progress in the development of high-frequency scanners occurred since that time. The aim of the study was the assessment of high frequency ultrasonography in dermatologic diagnostics. Material and methods. Examination was performed with 30 MHz ultrasound transducer with 0,1 mm resolution and 7 mm penetration. We examined patients with benign and malignant neoplasms, cicatrical alopecia and morphea. Results. Sonographically, the normal skin is composed of three layers: an epidermal entry echo, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. In healthy skin we can image small hypoechoic areas which correspond to hair folicules, vessels and sebaceous glands. Most of small skin neoplasmatic lesions were hypoechogenic and homogeneous on examination. Extensive lesions were multicomponent with normo-, hypo- and anechogenic structures. The assessment of lesion’s boarders allows sometimes to conclude the invasiveness of the lesion. Areas of skin with clinically visible atrophy showed diffuse increasing of echogenicity. In early lesions, without accomplished fibrosis, diffuse decreasing of echogenicity can be observed, that is probably caused by inflammatory infiltration. In comparison to the healthy skin, the ultrasound scan of sclerotic skin shows a wide entry echo and highly reflective, thicker dermis as a result of the collagen fibers accumulation. Conclusions. Above data suggest that ultrasonographic examination may be a valuable dermatologic diagnostic tool that completes classical dermatologic diagnostics and helps to plan the treatment.

high frequency ultrasonography, benign neoplasms, malignant neoplasms, cicatrical alopecia, morphea