High-Frequency Ultrasound Investigation of Port-Wine Stains: Hemodynamic Features Revealed By 10- and 22-MHz Transducers.

OBJECTIVES: The hemodynamics of the ultrasound (US) features of port-wine stains (PWSs) have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the high-frequency US findings of PWSs.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 98 PWS cases and categorized them into 4 groups based on clinical manifestations and pathologic findings (14 nodular, 28 thickened, 52 flattened, and 4 acquired). We evaluated the US findings with 10- and 22-MHz transducers.

RESULTS: For nodular PWSs, the mean thickened skin ± SD was 0.6 ± 0.5 mm, and the nodule thickness was 5.7 ± 3.3 mm; 63.6% of skin lesions showed vessel density of 2.16 ± 0.93/cm2 with venous flow of 4.6 ± 1.1 cm/s, and all nodules showed vessel density of 6.14 ± 1.92/cm2 with arterial and venous flow of 26.6 ± 17.9 and 9.9 ± 5.1 cm/s, respectively. The thickened skin of the thickened type was 1.4 ± 2.7 mm; 76.5% of skin lesions showed vessel density of 3.81 ± 1.98/cm2 with venous flow 4.6 ± 2.1 cm/s. The thickened skin of 36 flattened lesions was 0.1 ± 0.1 mm; 91.7% of skin lesions showed vessel density of 1.08 ± 0.28/cm2 . The thickened skin of 4 acquired lesions was 0.7 ± 0.4 mm; 50% showed vessel density of 1.08 ± 0.28/cm2 . The thickened skin and vessel density of nodular and thickened PWSs were thicker and higher than those of the flattened ones. The 22-MHz transducer produced clearer contrast and higher vessel density than the 10-MHz transducer.

CONCLUSIONS: These results showed differences in US findings of PWSs, which may be useful for clinical diagnosis.