High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) as a useful tool in differentiating between plaque morphea and extragenital lichen sclerosus lesions

Abstract

Introduction: Morphea and lichen sclerosus (LS) are chronic inflammatory diseases that may pose a diagnostic challenge for a physician. High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) is a versatile diagnostic method utilized in dermatologic practice, allowing monitoring the course of the disease, treatment response and differentiation between certain skin disorders. Aim: To prove the usefulness of HFUS in differentiating between plaque morphea and extragenital LS lesions. Material and methods: We examined 16 patients with plaque morphea and 4 patients with extragenital LS using 20 MHz taberna pro medicumTM (Germany) device. Results: Investigations revealed hyperechogenic entrance echo in both morphea and LS lesions, whereas a distinct polycyclic surface of the entrance echo was detected exclusively in LS. Conclusions: High-frequency ultrasonography is a current diagnostic modality that may prove useful in differentiating between morphea and LS lesions.