Localization and degree of expression of dermatoliposclerosis can be well evaluated with 20 MHz ultrasound

: 33 legs of patients with chronic venous insufficiency and 21 legs of healthy persons were examined by high resolution 20 MHz ultrasound. With increasing lipodermatosclerosis--which was most pronounced in the medium part of the lower leg--an increase of thickness and a decrease of echo density of the dermis could be seen. The first sign of decreased density was an echolucent band in the upper part of the dermis. While in healthy subjects dermis and subcutaneous fat were clearly separated in ultrasound, in mild sclerosis differentiation was more difficult; in extensive lipodermatosclerosis it often was not possible to distinguish these parts of the skin. Localisation and extent of lipodermatosclerosis can be well demonstrated and evaluated by 20 MHz ultrasound.