Ultrasound evaluation of superficial lesions caused by ectoparasites in children

Pediatr Radiol. 2024 Nov 26. doi: 10.1007/s00247-024-06101-5. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Ectoparasites affect the skin, causing different clinical manifestations through direct mechanical damage, blood consumption, pathogen transmission, hypersensitivity reactions, or toxin inoculation. Dermatological ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate these superficial lesions, detecting submillimetric alterations in a non-invasive and innocuous way. This review helps the radiologist describe the imaging findings of lesions caused by mosquitoes, myiasis, bees, spiders, and scorpions, with suggestive ultrasound patterns.

Keywords: Bees; Child; Culicidae; Myasis; Scorpions; Spiders; Ultrasonography.

Publication types

  • Review