Ultrasound of nails: why, how, when

Abstract

Nail disorders are frequently a challenge to diagnose correctly only based on clinical findings. Moreover, biopsies may leave scars due to damage to the nail matrix. Currently, high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) with probes >15 MHz is the first-choice imaging technique to study the nail. Compared with other imaging tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, HFUS has the advantage of high-resolution imaging of the nail apparatus without exposure to radiation, contrast media, and the risk of claustrophobia of these other expensive imaging methods. Notably, the axial spatial resolution of HFUS is higher than computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging; therefore, it can better discriminate the anatomical alterations. Our objective is to review the main applications of HFUS of the nail through literature analysis and illustration of cases of the most frequent pathologies found in our experience, exemplifying why, how, and when HFUS could help diagnose nail diseases.