High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) as a useful tool in differentiating between plaque morphea and extragenital lichen sclerosus lesions.

INTRODUCTION

Morphea and lichen sclerosus (LS) are chronic inflammatory diseases that may pose a diagnostic challenge for a physician. High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) is a versatile diagnostic method utilized in dermatologic practice, allowing monitoring the course of the disease, treatment response and differentiation between certain skin disorders.

AIM

To prove the usefulness of HFUS in differentiating between plaque morphea and extragenital LS lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 16 patients with plaque morphea and 4 patients with extragenital LS using 20 MHz (Germany) device.

RESULTS

Investigations revealed hyperechogenic entrance echo in both morphea and LS lesions, whereas a distinct polycyclic surface of the entrance echo was detected exclusively in LS.

CONCLUSIONS

High-frequency ultrasonography is a current diagnostic modality that may prove useful in differentiating between morphea and LS lesions.