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Abstract
High variable-frequency ultrasound is a recently available technique capable of clearly
defining skin layers and deeper structures that also provides local perfusion patterns
obtained in real time.
The aim of the study was to assess the performance of variable-frequency ultrasound
in the evaluation of skin lesions.
We performed a retrospective study of 4338 skin ultrasound examinations in predominantly
localized skin lesions, and in a group of 130 healthy controls. We determined ultrasound
sensitivity, specificity, and statistical level of certainty, and compared ultrasound
diagnoses with clinical diagnoses.
Referring diagnosis was correct in 73% of the lesions, and addition of ultrasound
increased correctness to 97% (P < .001 for the difference). Ultrasound overall sensitivity
was 99%, specificity was 100%, and statistical diagnostic certainty was 99%
Ultrasound in its current version cannot detect lesions that are epidermal only or
that measure less than 0.1 mm in depth.
Ultrasound is a reliable adjuvant for the accurate and precise diagnosis of skin lesions.
Copyright (c) 2009 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc.
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