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Ultrasound-Based Techniques for Visualization of Dermal Microvasculature: A Scoping Review
Rikke Baarts1,2, Alexander Cuculiza Henriksen1,2, Nathalie Sarup Panduro1,2
1Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Ultrasound techniques can visualize skin microvasculature, but studies are small and varied. More standardization and validation are needed for clinical use in radiology.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Dermatology
- Ultrasound Technology
Background:
- Non-invasive visualization of dermal microvasculature is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring skin conditions.
- Existing literature on ultrasound-based techniques for this purpose is fragmented and requires systematic mapping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review ultrasound-based techniques for non-invasive dermal microvasculature visualization.
- To identify methodological strengths, limitations, and evidence gaps in the current literature.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Searches conducted across major databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) from January 2000 to October 2025.
- Inclusion of studies on human participants using ultrasound techniques for dermal microvasculature visualization.
Main Results:
- Thirty-six studies (2007-2025) were included, predominantly small feasibility studies (n=24) with heterogeneous protocols.
- Photoacoustic techniques (n=21) showed high microvascular detail and functional assessment.
- High-frequency ultrasound and Doppler methods visualized vessels but varied in sensitivity and standardization; only one study validated against histopathology.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound techniques can visualize dermal microvasculature in vivo.
- Current evidence is fragmented, methodologically heterogeneous, and based on small exploratory studies.
- Standardized protocols, clinical cohorts, and validation studies are essential for clinical translation in radiology.
