Clinical usefulness of variable-frequency ultrasound in localized lesions of the skin - 24/04/13
, Jacobo Wortsman, MD b
Correspondence to: Ximena Wortsman MD, Department of Radiology, Clinica Servet, Almirante Pastene 150, Providencia, Santiago, Chile.Abstract |
Background |
High variable-frequency ultrasound is a recently available technique capable of clearly defining skin layers and deeper structures that also provides local perfusion patterns obtained in real time.
Objectives |
The aim of the study was to assess the performance of variable-frequency ultrasound in the evaluation of skin lesions.
Methods |
We performed a retrospective study of 4338 skin ultrasound examinations in predominantly localized skin lesions, and in a group of 130 healthy controls. We determined ultrasound sensitivity, specificity, and statistical level of certainty, and compared ultrasound diagnoses with clinical diagnoses.
Results |
Referring diagnosis was correct in 73% of the lesions, and addition of ultrasound increased correctness to 97% (P < .001 for the difference). Ultrasound overall sensitivity was 99%, specificity was 100%, and statistical diagnostic certainty was 99%
Limitations |
Ultrasound in its current version cannot detect lesions that are epidermal only or that measure less than 0.1 mm in depth.
Conclusions |
Ultrasound is a reliable adjuvant for the accurate and precise diagnosis of skin lesions.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : dermatology, imaging, skin, sonography, tumors, ultrasound
Plan
| Funding sources: None. |
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| Conflicts of interest: None declared. |
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| Reprints not available from the authors. |
Vol 62 - N° 2
P. 247-256 - février 2010 Retour au numéro
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