Mantis P, Sofou EI, Aleksandrova S, Badulescu E, Church D, Lloyd D, Koutsouvelis P, Mpairamoglou S, Chatzis M, Saridomichelakis M. High-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy findings of the skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis.
Vet Dermatol 2023;
34:415-424. [PMID:
37114506 DOI:
10.1111/vde.13169]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The high-frequency ultrasonographic appearance of skin of dogs with atopic dermatitis (cAD) has not been described.
OBJECTIVES
To compare high-frequency ultrasonographic findings among lesional, macroscopically nonlesional skin of dogs with cAD, and the macroscopically nonlesional skin of healthy dogs. Additionally, to determine whether there is any correlation between the ultrasonographic findings in lesional skin and local Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) or its domains (erythema, lichenification, excoriations/alopecia). As a secondary aim, six cAD dogs were re-evaluated after management intervention.
ANIMALS
Twenty dogs with cAD (six were re-examined after treatment) and six healthy dogs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In all dogs, ultrasonographic examination was performed on the same 10 skin sites, using a 50 MHz transducer. Wrinkling of skin surface, presence/width of subepidermal low echogenic band, hypoechogenicity of dermis and thickness of the skin were evaluated and scored/measured blindly.
RESULTS
Dermal hypoechogenicity was more common and severe in lesional compared to macroscopically nonlesional skin of dogs with cAD. In lesional skin, presence/severity of wrinkling of skin surface and of dermal hypoechogenicity were positively correlated with presence/severity of lichenification, while severity of dermal hypoechogenicity was positively correlated with local CADESI-04. A positive correlation between the change in skin thickness and the change in the severity of erythema during treatment was noted.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
High-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy may be useful for the evaluation of skin of dogs with cAD and for evaluating the progression of skin lesions during treatment.
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