Ultrasound characteristics of bruises and their correlation to cutaneous appearance

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to compare the cutaneous size of a bruise on gross exam to the subcutaneous depth and height of the hematoma ascertained by ultrasound. The hypothesis was that there would be little correlation between the area of the bruise on cutaneous exam and the height when measured with ultrasound. Methods: Adult and pediatric patients with bruising were prospectively identified in the emergency department. Photographs and ultrasound images were collected of the bruises and epidemiologic information collected from the patients. The cutaneous area of the bruise was compared with the sonographic characteristics. Results: The subcutaneous depth and height of the hematomas defined by ultrasound did not correlate with the cutaneous area. Conclusions: The cutaneous appearance of a bruise gives little indication of the depth and size of the subcutaneous bruise. Ultrasound can add information regarding these parameters. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.