Skin sonography in children: a review

Pediatr Radiol. 2022 Aug;52(9):1687-1705. doi: 10.1007/s00247-022-05434-3. Epub 2022 Jul 12.

Abstract

Skin lesions are not uncommon in children, and most of them are benign. However, they can be a matter of concern. Although in most cases the diagnosis can be suspected based on clinical history and physical examination, in some cases clinical findings are nonspecific. High-frequency color Doppler US is a noninvasive technique that can play a relevant role in these cases and give important anatomical information for final clinical management. US can be helpful to avoid unnecessary surgery, plan a surgical excision and avoid advanced imaging studies such as MRI and CT, which have a lower resolution for the skin. Different lesions can look similar on US, and clinical correlation is always important. The purpose of this article is to show a variety of skin lesions that occur in children, emphasizing clinical-sonographic correlation, and to familiarize pediatric radiologists with the US technique and sonographic appearance of common skin lesions in children.

Keywords: Children; Dermatology; High frequency; Power Doppler; Skin; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Skin* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ultrasonography
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / methods