Updated Role of High-frequency Ultrasound in Assessing Dermatological Manifestations in Autoimmune Skin Diseases

Acta Derm Venereol. 2022 Aug 24:102:adv00765. doi: 10.2340/actadv.v102.1969.

Abstract

Autoimmune skin diseases are a group of disorders that arise due to the dysregulated immune system attacking self-antigens, causing multiple tissue and organ lesions. With disease progression, the physical and psychological health of patients may be seriously damaged. High-frequency ultrasound is non-invasive, reproducible, and suitable for visualizing the fine structure of external organs. The usage of high-frequency ultrasound has increased in recent years in the auxiliary diagnosis and monitoring of various skin diseases; it serves as a promising tool for dermatological disease assessment. This review summarizes the characteristics of high-frequency ultrasound imaging in common autoimmune skin diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, psoriasis, dermatomyositis, and pemphigus/pemphigoid. The objective of this review is to provide new ideas and strategies for dermatologists to diagnose and track the prognosis of autoimmune skin diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / complications
  • Pemphigus* / complications
  • Skin Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Diseases* / etiology
  • Ultrasonography / adverse effects