20 MHZ ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION IN LIPODERM ATOSCLEROSIS

The degree of lipodermatosclerosis in chronic venous insufficiency was determined by high-resolution 20 MHz ultrasound. For comparison, skin biopsies were taken and examined by light microscopy. With increasing ly extensive sclerosis, ultrasound showed increasing thickness of the dermis with a poorly defined border from the subcutaneous fat. In addi tion, an echolucent band appeared in the upper dermis, corresponding t o regions of glomerular capillaries in histology. In our experience, h igh-resolution ultrasound examination allows rapid and objective quant ification of lipodermatosclerosis.