Shagreen Patch in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex at High-Frequency Ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Imaging
• Genetics

Background:

• Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder affecting multiple organs.
• Shagreen patches are common cutaneous manifestations of TSC, typically presenting as thickened, leathery skin.
• Diagnosis often relies on clinical findings and imaging, but characteristic ultrasound findings of shagreen patches are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first reported high-frequency ultrasound images of a shagreen patch.
• To describe the ultrasound characteristics associated with a shagreen patch in a patient with TSC.
• To highlight the utility of ultrasound in evaluating cutaneous lesions in TSC.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 19-year-old female with TSC.
• High-frequency ultrasound examination of a shagreen patch on the left dorsal region.
• Analysis of ultrasound findings, including echogenicity and dermal thickness.

Main Results:

• The shagreen patch exhibited decreased echogenicity and increased dermal thickness on high-frequency ultrasound.
• These ultrasound findings provide objective characterization of the lesion.
• The case demonstrates the feasibility of using ultrasound for shagreen patch evaluation.

Conclusions:

• High-frequency ultrasound can visualize and characterize shagreen patches in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.
• Ultrasound may serve as a valuable non-invasive tool for assessing cutaneous manifestations of TSC.
• This report provides a reference for future ultrasound-based studies of shagreen patches.