The histological interpretation of high frequency cutaneous ultrasound imaging.
BACKGROUND
High frequency, high resolution B-scan ultrasound imaging (US) has been used to assess skin. The use of US is limited because of difficulty interpreting the various echoes.


OBJECTIVE
To correlate the appearance of constant US echoes with histology in normal human skin.


METHODS
Normal skin from eight volunteers was scanned with US at a frequency of 20-25 MHz, prior to excision for clinical reasons. The echogenic bands of the skin and histological measurements of various layers were related statistically.


RESULTS
Three constant echogenic bands were identified, which correlated with skin surface, dermis, and subcutaneous fascia.


CONCLUSIONS
The correct interpretation of echogenic bands in normal skin allows for the US to be more reliably used for assessment of skin disorders.
Milner
S M
SM
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, USA.
Memar
O M
OM
Gherardini
G
G
Bennett
J C
JC
Phillips
L G
LG
D000328:Adult; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013653:Tattooing; D014463:Ultrasonography