Power-Doppler ultrasound (PD-US) assesses the persistence of fistulous tracts under treatment with adalimumab in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
Researchers evaluated the clinical and ultrasound features related to healing and persistence of fistulous tracts in patients under treatment with adalimumab. A retrospective analysis of fistula images in patients with HS was performed and the clinical and sonographic staging of HS, body areas involved, and anatomic characteristics of the fistulous tracts was analyzed.
Lower possibilities of healing was associated with age, BMI, length, thickness, subcutaneous pattern, high intensity of PD-US signal and a high grade of fibrosis/edema. Researchers also found that fistulas with high fibrosis or PD-US signal have a longer survival time.
“An accurate assessment of fibrosis may be crucial to defining better when a surgical approach - besides the medical treatment - could be required,” concluded the study authors. “PD-US may assess the decrease of vascularization in HS lesions and consequently the reduction of inflammation due to immunomodulatory therapies,” they continued. –Lisa Kuhns
Reference
Caposiena Caro RD, Solivetti FM, Candi E, Bianchi L. Clinical and Power-Doppler ultrasound features related with persistence of fistulous tracts under treatment with adalimumab in hidradenitis suppurativa: four years of follow-up. Dermatol Ther. 2021;e14804. doi:10.1111/dth.14804
