Skin sonography in children: a review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Dermatology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Skin lesions are common in children, often benign but sometimes concerning.
• Clinical diagnosis of pediatric skin lesions can be challenging due to nonspecific findings.
• Noninvasive imaging can provide crucial anatomical information for management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate diverse pediatric skin lesions using clinical-sonographic correlation.
• To familiarize pediatric radiologists with ultrasound techniques for skin lesions.
• To highlight ultrasound's role in guiding clinical management and avoiding advanced imaging.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound (US).
• Correlating clinical history and physical examination with sonographic findings.
• Showcasing a variety of common pediatric skin lesions.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound provides essential anatomical detail for diagnosing skin lesions.
• Sonographic appearance can differ between various lesions, necessitating clinical correlation.
• High-frequency US can guide surgical planning and potentially obviate MRI/CT scans.

Conclusions:

• High-frequency color Doppler US is a valuable, noninvasive tool for evaluating pediatric skin lesions.
• Ultrasound enhances diagnostic accuracy and aids in appropriate clinical and surgical management.
• Familiarity with sonographic appearances improves the utility of US in pediatric dermatology.