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Color Doppler ultrasound categorizes fistulous tracts in hidradenitis suppurativa

Color Doppler ultrasound was used to categorize fistulous tracts in hidradenitis suppurativa, which could help with earlier disease management, according to recently published study results.

Researchers in Chile conducted a retrospective analysis of color Doppler ultrasound images of 52 patients (mean age, 26 years; 36 female) with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Cases showing positive clinical and sonographic criteria of HS with fistulous tracts on ultrasound were included.

There was registration and grading of the sonographic staging of HS, location and anatomic characteristics of the tracts.

There were 96 fistulous tracts included in the study. The groin region was the predominant location of fistulae, with 54% of cases, followed by 19% in the axillary region. Nineteen patients (37%) had multiple fistulous tracts.

Fistulous tracts were classified sonographically into three main types based on anatomic characteristics.

“Type 3 concentrated 71% of the cases presenting communicating tracts, and type 2, 29%,” the researchers wrote. “Types 2 and 3 represented 63% of patient with multiple fistulous tracts.”

Patients aged 35 years and older and groin location had significant correlation with tracts types 2 and 3 combined, compared with type 1.

“To our knowledge, assessment of the variability of anatomic characteristics of fistulous tracts in HS including a classification of the tracts has not been previously reported,” the researchers wrote.

“Color Doppler ultrasound can allow categorizing fistulous tracts in HS, which can add relevant data for assessing the severity of the disease; may support the prognosis of reversibility of physiopathological changes; and may perhaps help to predict a future need for, or response to, more aggressive treatments,” the researchers concluded. “This can help achieve more anatomically oriented, early, and precise management in HS.”  – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.