Clinical and ultrasonographic correlation of acne scars

Consensus concerning nomenclature and classification of acne scars is lacking. Classification based solely on clinical examination represents an unmet need that could be improved with the use of objective, reproducible assessments.

To assess clinical and ultrasound morphologic features in 41 patients with scars resulting from moderate to severe acne and to determine whether correlation exists.

Eighty-one lesions clinically identified as boxcar, ice pick, rolling, hypertrophic, or keloidal were evaluated using high-frequency ultrasound (22 MHz).

Ultrasound results generally correlated with clinical appearance. Eight scars clinically classified as ice pick showed a typical boxcar morphology upon ultrasound examination. Ultrasound showed that ice pick and boxcar scars were the deepest, with 95.8% between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

High-frequency ultrasound is a noninvasive technique that is useful in the evaluation and correct classification of acne scars. It represents an important adjunct to clinical examination, because it provides reliable objective and reproducible information useful to the selection of the best treatment option specifically customized to each individual patient's needs.