Sonographic findings in scabies

J Ultrasound. 2023 Jun;26(2):549-551. doi: 10.1007/s40477-022-00700-4. Epub 2022 Aug 26.

Abstract

Scabies is a cutaneous infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, a small mite that performs its whole life cycle within the epidermis. In this case report, we provide images of the sonographic signs of scabies. We found that the adult mite can be seen as a hyperechoic well-defined ovoid area within the epidermal layer at the end of the hypoechoic burrow, while the eggs correspond to tiny heteroechoic dots along the burrow. In conclusion, ultrasound may prove useful to differentiate between inhabited vs non-inhabited scabiotic burrows.

Keywords: Dermatology; Scabies; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Sarcoptes scabiei
  • Scabies* / diagnostic imaging