Ultrasound pattern of a rare skin disease: multiple miliaryosteoma cutis

Abstract

Purpose

Multiple miliaryosteoma cutis (MMOC) is a rare nodular skin disease, characterized by tiny bone nodules in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, presenting clinically as multiple normochromic papules and nodules, usually on the face. We described the case of MMOC of the face in a woman, ultrasonically evaluated with very high frequency probe.

Materials and methods

A 45-year-old patient with multiple papules, 3–5 mm in diameter, grouped in the frontal region. Skin ultrasound examination, cutaneous biopsy and laboratory evaluation were performed.

Results

High-frequency ultrasound showed the presence of multiple hyperechogenic linear and roundish structures, associated by hypoechogenic shadow. The histology revealed a normal orthokeratotic stratified epithelium with fragment of mature lamellar bone localized at level of the reticular dermis. Laboratory evaluation was normal. According to the clinical, pathological, laboratory and instrumental analyses, a final diagnosis of miliaryosteoma cutis (or primary osteoma cutis not associated with Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy) was made.

Conclusion

In case of multiple papules of subcutaneous tissue, the diagnosis of MMOC, although rare, should be considered and high-frequency sonography, identifying the calcifications, suggests diagnosis.