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Clinical examination alone can underestimate the severity of HS.
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Color Doppler ultrasound may support the management of hidradenitis suppurativa.
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Sonographic criteria for supporting the diagnosis are established.
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Disease staging is possible using ultrasound.
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MRI can help in the diagnosis of extensive and deep anogenital lesions.
Imaging of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Section snippets
Key points
Videos of Power Doppler and gray scale ultrasound accompany this article at http://www.derm.theclinics.com/
Ultrasound
This is an imaging modality based on the propagation and return of sound waves in different tissues.9 Ultrasound is a real-time and safe imaging method without reported adverse reactions. Usually, it does not require intravenous injection of contrast media and allows a rich and live interaction between the sonographer and patient.7, 8 The structures or tissues can be classified according to their echogenicity pattern into anechoic (ie, fluid-filled structures that allow the passage of the sound
MRI
This imaging modality relies on the exposure of tissues to a magnetic field. It provides a good definition of the hypodermis and deeper layers and allows examinations of the whole body.21, 22 Nevertheless, in the commercially available units the resolution for observing cutaneous layers is usually low and requires confinement of the patient to a reduced space during the examination. Also, intravenous contrast media is commonly injected, which may be the subject of potential adverse reactions.
Summary
Clinical examination alone can underestimate the severity of HS. Imaging, particularly color Doppler ultrasound, seems to be a powerful tool and the first imaging modality for supporting an early and more precise diagnosis and staging of severity in HS. Additionally, because of the provision of detailed and objective anatomic data, imaging may help in the assessment of the pathogenesis of this complex disease and contribute to clinical trials.
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Cited by (60)
Role of Color Doppler Ultrasound in Cutaneous Inflammatory Conditions
2024, Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRIThe role of imaging technologies in the diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa
2023, Clinics in DermatologyFrequent applications of color Doppler ultrasound in dermatology that support diagnosis and management
2023, Revista Medica Clinica Las CondesImaging Techniques in Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Comorbidities
2022, A Comprehensive Guide to Hidradenitis SuppurativaImaging features for the evaluation of skin and nail infections
2024, Skeletal RadiologyUpdate on Ultrasound Diagnostic Criteria and New Ultrasound Severity and Activity Scorings of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Modified SOS-HS and US-HSA
2024, Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine
Disclosures: None.