The role of ultrasound in rheumatic skin and nail lesions: a multi-specialist approach.
The skin and nails are commonly involved in rheumatic conditions, both by the primary disease and/or long-term immunosuppressive treatments. These superficial affections may also imply a worsening of the quality of life in patients and cosmetic sequels. The latest advances in ultrasound technology show that skin and nail abnormalities are now recognizable and therefore susceptible to follow-up non-invasively. Thus, an ultrasound examination of these superficial tissues may be an adjunct tool for evaluating the progression and/or severity of rheumatic diseases in their primary or secondary manifestations.
Department of Radiology, Clinica Servet, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Almirante Pastene 150, Providencia, Santiago, Chile. xwo@tie.cl
Ximena
X
Wortsman
Marwin
M
Gutierrez
Tirza
T
Saavedra
Juan
J
Honeyman
D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D009262:Nails / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D014463:Ultrasonography