In vivo cross-sectional ultrasonic imaging of human skin

This paper describes a new experimental set-up allowing routine cross-sectional ultrasonic images of human skin to be obtained in vivo and presents the first high-resolution images it gives. This system is characterized by the utilization of damped, high-frequency ultrasonic transducers. This type of transducer is longitudinally driven along the skin by a stepping motor under the control of a computer, which at the same time stores the digitized reflected signals. After the acquisition sequence, the image of the skin is displayed on a video monitor after data processing of the ultrasonic signals. On the images thus obtained, fascia, hypodermis, reticular dermis, pilosebaceous units, and adventitial dermis can be visualized. Due to a lack of resolution (about 80 microns) epidermis can only be viewed on certain zones like the hand.