ArticleRMD open2022
Normal percentile reference curves for skin ultrasound thickness and stiffness at Rodnan sites.
Article in RMD open, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 9 papers.
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Who cites it
9 citing papers in PubMed.
- Development of a simplified 3-site ultrasound skin score in systemic sclerosis: a pilot study.Journal of ultrasound · 2026Article
- Shear Wave Elastography for Non-Invasive Assessment of Skin Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis.Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Assessment of Skin in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Using High-Frequency Ultrasound and Shear Wave Elastography: A Comparative Study With Histology, Molecular, and Clinical Parameters.Arthritis care & research · 2026Article
- High-frequency ultrasound in genodermatoses.Journal of ultrasound · 2026Review
- Ultrasound Beyond Joints: A Review of Extra-Articular Applications in Rheumatology.Current rheumatology reports · 2025Review
- Suprathel Versus Hypafix in the Management of Split-Thickness Donor Site Wounds in the Elderly: A Randomised Controlled Trial.European burn journal · 2024Article
- Development of a Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Protocol to Evaluate Hand Pain in Systemic Sclerosis Patients.Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- Skin ultrasound in systemic sclerosis: past, present and exciting future.Rheumatology advances in practice · 2024Article
- High-resolution musculoskeletal ultrasonography and elastography for eosinophilic fasciitis diagnosis and follow-up: a case-based review.Rheumatology international · 2023Review
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesOur primary objective was to establish preliminary normal reference curves for ultrasound-dermal thickness and skin stiffness in the 17 Rodnan skin sites, considering the effect of gender and age on these measures. As an exploratory objective, we investigated the effect of body mass index and the menopause on skin ultrasound measures.
methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 140 healthy volunteers, aged 20-79 years. Recruitment was stratified by gender and age (10-year categories). Ultrasound-dermal thickness and skin stiffness were assessed by high-frequency ultrasound and shear-wave elastography, respectively, at the 17 Rodnan skin sites. Outcomes were evaluated through a mixed linear model, univariate and multivariate regressions. Normal reference curves were derived for both ultrasound measures in each skin site. An online calculator of the percentiles of skin ultrasound measures was developed.
resultsUltrasound-dermal thickness and stiffness measures were higher in men than women in all Rodnan skin sites (except in chest for ultrasound-dermal thickness). Age had also a significant impact in both ultrasound measures, but only in some skin sites. Gender and age percentile curves (97.5th, 95th, 75th, 50th, 25th, 5th, 2.5th) were plotted for each of the measures in each skin site.
conclusionsGender and age are strongly associated with skin ultrasound parameters, imposing the need for gender-specific and age-specific reference values. Normal reference percentile curves are provided as a basis for future cooperative work to strengthen its evidence basis, representativeness and refinement regarding potentially influential factors.
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