Why, how, and when to use color Doppler ultrasound for improving precision in the diagnosis, assessment of severity and activity in morphea

Abstract

Morphea also called localized scleroderma is a complex entity that requires objective methods for supporting the diagnosis, severity, and activity. To date, clinical scorings may show a very good inter-rater agreement but cannot provide anatomical information on subclinical involvement. Biological markers can be used for detecting inflammation but may not be useful for grading tissue damage. Color Doppler ultrasound can support diagnosis and the assessment of severity and activity in morphea which has been validated using histology as the gold standard. Ultrasound is the first-choice imaging technique for studying cutaneous diseases and can show subclinical involvement, including the affection of deeper layers non-invasively and safely. It requires proper ultrasound devices, imaging-trained physicians for performing the examinations, the performance of a standardized protocol during the examinations, and an organized schedule that allows enough time for evaluating the patients. Under the latter conditions, ultrasonography can be a powerful and reliable tool for supporting the management of morphea.