Roentgenographic measurement of skin thickness in normal individuals.

A CGR mammographic unit was modified to provide a more accurate method of measuring skin thickness. Evaluation of 418 normal patients indicated that skin thickness is greater in men than women, is less in older individuals, and, to a less extent, is greater in more obese patients. Height and race do not have a statistically significant bearing on skin thickness values. These "normal" values may prove useful as a screening criterion in evaluation of patients with possible acromegaly or Cushing's syndrome. Other potential applications are being investigated.