title: Thirteen-megahertz ultrasound probe: its role in diagnosing localized scleroderma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ultrasound imaging has been shown to be useful for the evaluation of systemic and localized scleroderma (LS). However, its specificity and sensitivity have not been studied.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To define morphological ultrasound diagnostic criteria in LS and to test their sensitivity and specificity with a 13-MHz ultrasound probe.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty plaques in 26 consecutive patients with LS were examined and compared blindly with 17 control plaques in 16 patients with skin diseases where LS was in the differential diagnosis. Data were also compared with a normal control group. Five patients were re-evaluated 12-18 months after the first examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ultrasound examination disclosed a characteristic dense image resembling a flattened 'yo-yo'. Undulations of the dermis, disorganization, loss of thickness and thickened hyperechoic bands in the hypodermis, and the 'yo-yo' image had a high sensitivity and a high specificity for LS. A 92% sensitivity and a 100% specificity for LS were found when at least four of these five signs were present.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thirteen-megahertz ultrasound is a valuable tool for diagnosing LS. Morphological ultrasound diagnostic criteria had a high specificity and a high sensitivity.
authors.affiliation: Service de Dermatologie and Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France. jacques.cosnes@rth.ap-hop-paris.fr
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cosnes
authors.forename: M-C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Anglade
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Revuz
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Radier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012594:Scleroderma, Localized / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D040521:Subcutaneous Tissue / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex