Researchers at the Italian National Research Council and the University of Pisa, Italy, are performing in vivo histological examinations of skin disorders with the aid of Fujifilm VisualSonics' Vevo MD ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound system.
The Vevo MD is a CE-marked, ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound system -- up to 70 MHz. The Vevo MD allows physicians to observe specific areas of the human anatomy in real-time, in a way that has not previously been possible using ultrasound technology. It has the potential to provide noninvasive, nonionizing histological examination in vivo, which may be helpful for diagnostic procedures, according to Dr. Francesco Faita, a researcher and project manager at the Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council.
The first study will investigate the use of the Vevo MD to distinguish between psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as monitoring the response to treatment. By comparing ultrasound imaging with histopathological evaluation, the researchers aim to demonstrate that ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound can support -- or even replace -- invasive tests such as skin biopsies.
