Sonography of monkeypox cutaneous lesions

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The global monkeypox outbreak has surpassed 79,000 cases as of November 2022.
• Clinical manifestations of monkeypox are well-documented, but specific ultrasound findings remain undescribed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the sonographic characteristics of skin lesions and lymphadenopathies in patients with monkeypox.
• To introduce novel imaging findings for monkeypox diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Sonographic examination including Doppler and elastography was performed on three patients with confirmed monkeypox.
• Detailed analysis of ultrasound features in skin lesions and affected lymph nodes.

Main Results:

• Characteristic skin lesion findings included hyperechoic epidermal thickening, dermo-hypodermal thickening with focal hypoechogenicity, and increased intralesional vascularization.
• Lymphadenopathy showed hilar vascularization, increased cortical stiffness, and a soft hilar area on ultrasound.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound, particularly with Doppler and elastography, can identify specific features of monkeypox skin lesions and lymphadenopathies.
• These sonographic findings may aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of monkeypox patients.