Role of the imaging techniques in the diagnosis and staging of hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease mainly affecting the axillary, inguinal and anogenital regions, and characterized by the presence of nodules, abscesses and sinus tracts and scarring. Clinical examination alone may underestimate the disease extension and severity. Some non-invasive skin imaging techniques such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, positron-emission tomography and dermoscopy, have been demonstrated to be useful in the diagnosis and management of HS. They may reveal some findings not appreciable at naked eye evaluation, suggesting the diagnosis in case of minimal/mild presentation or in non-active long-lasting cases and allowing a more accurate staging, treatment planning and monitoring of this debilitating disease.