JOIN THE DISCUSSION AT THE JOURNAL CLUB ABOUT DERMATOLOGIC ULTRASOUND

Comment

Comment by Ximena Wortsman on February 25, 2012 at 12:47pm

Ultrasound imaging in dermatology is not just an add on investigation. It has been reported that this technique can increase the correctness of the clinical diagnosis in localized lesions of the skin from 73% to 97% ( JAAD, 2010, 62, 247-56). Thus,  it can modify the management of the lesions by adding critical information that is not detected by the naked eye of a well trained physician. Nevertheless, it requires an appropriate machine and a trained operator as any medical technique does. Moreover, cost is not an issue if we consider the benefits of arrive early to the diagnosis which include to know the nature, depth or activity of a lesion, among other important characteristics. These features may avoid unnecessary invasive procedures or re-operations. Nevertheless, knowledge of the indications and limitations of this technique are also needed. At present time (21st century)  a definitive diagnosis should consider imaging tools and ultrasound should be the first-line imaging modality in dermatology.

Comment by viral thakkar on February 25, 2012 at 4:19am

cost benifit is a big issue.

Also, usg is just an add on investigation most of the times.

It is not a definitive tool for diagnosis.