Dynamic Color Doppler Ultrasound Features of Cutaneous Mastocytoma at High and Ultra-High Frequency

This study aimed to identify B-mode and color Doppler features in mastocytoma cases, and to evaluate anatomical changes after a dynamic friction maneuver.

A review of the high- and ultra-high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound examinations that were performed before and after a friction maneuver in clinically confirmed mastocytomas.

Twelve cases met the criteria. Clinical presentation revealed solitary red, brown, pink, or yellowish macules, papules, nodules, or plaques. B-mode ultrasound showed mild hypoechoic dermal thickening, which was more evident in the superficial dermis in 91.7% of cases and diffuse in one patient (8.3%). Color Doppler imaging showed no or mild vascularity. The lesion was rubbed with mild pressure using a tongue depressor. After the maneuver, an increase in the hypoechoic dermal thickening and the dermal vascularity was detected on color Doppler.

B-mode and Doppler ultrasound can reveal an increased hypoechoic dermal thickening and dermal hypervascularity after a friction maneuver, which can support the diagnosis of mastocytoma.