PhD Scientific Days 2025

Theoretical and Translational Medicine I.

Use of high-frequency ultrasound in the study of hidradenitis suppurativa

Name of the presenter

Hamilton-Meikle Phyllida Kerstin

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology

Authors

Phyllida Kerstin Hamilton-Meikle¹, Gabriella Zita Mohos²

1: Semmelweis University, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology
2: Semmelweis University, Károly Rácz Conservative Medicine Division

Text of the abstract

Introduction: The management and diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) present significant challenges, as the subcutaneous spread of lesions is not visible to the naked eye. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) could be a promising tool for visualizing and accurately describing these lesions.
Aims: To evaluate the applicability of HFUS in the detailed assessment and preoperative evaluation of HS lesions.
Method: A portable Dermus Skinscanner HFUS device operating at 33 MHz was used to examine six HS lesions at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Dermatooncology, Semmelweis University. The ultrasound images were saved and compared with typical HS findings described in the literature, including “fluid collection”, “dermal thickening and hypoechogenicity”, “nodule”, “pseudocyst”, “microcyst”, “tunnel”, “microtunnel”, “scar tissue”, “granulation tissue”, and “tombstone comedone”.
Results: One case was excluded due to poor optical image quality, although tunnels were visible on ultrasound. Among the remaining cases:
• Fluid collection was observed in 3 cases.
• Tunnel was identified in 5 cases.
• Dermal thickening and hypoechogenicity were noted in 2 cases.
• Scar tissue was observed in 1 case.
• Microtunnel was visible in 2 cases.
• Pseudocyst or nodule was identified in 1 case.
Microcysts, granulation tissue and tombstone comedones were not detected. In many instances, the optical image showed no surface abnormalities, while the ultrasound revealed extensive subcutaneous changes.
Conclusion: HFUS can be a valuable tool for the detailed evaluation and surgical planning of HS lesions, as subcutaneous changes may remain hidden during surface inspections. Preoperative use of HFUS has the potential to reduce recurrence rates. Further studies are required to substantiate our findings.
Funding: This study was funded by the EKÖP grant under project number EKÖP-2024-145.