Ultrasonography is a sensitive tool for monitoring localized scleroderma.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the usefulness of ultrasonography (USG) for monitoring paediatric localized scleroderma (LS).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of six paediatric patients who had USG of their LS.

RESULTS

USG detected several abnormalities in active lesions including increased blood flow, increased echogenicity and loss of subcutaneous fat. USG findings corresponded with clinical assessment, and documented regeneration of subcutaneous fat and reduction in lesion size during treatment. In one patient, USG was more sensitive than magnetic resonance evaluation.

CONCLUSION

USG was found to be a sensitive tool for assessing the activity and extent of LS lesions in paediatric patients. Further studies are needed to assess its general applicability for monitoring these patients.