A comparative study of teledermatoscopy and face-to-face examination of pigmented skin lesions

We examined the agreement between diagnoses of pigmented skin lesions based on an in-person (face-to-face) dermatological examination and diagnoses based on the study of medical records and images transferred through the web (teledermatoscopy). Two experienced dermatologists examined and diagnosed 6...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of telemedicine and telecare 2009-07, Vol.15 (5), p.221-225
Main Authors: Ishioka, Priscila, Tenório, Josceli M, Lopes, Paulo RL, Yamada, Sérgio, Michalany, Nílceo S, Amaral, Márcio B, Pisa, Ivan T, Hirata, Sérgio H, Almeida, Fernando A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biopsy
Brazil
Comparative studies
Dermatology
Dermoscopy - methods
Humans
Internet
Nevus, Pigmented - pathology
Photography
Remote Consultation - methods
Remote Consultation - standards
Schools, Medical
Sensitivity and Specificity
Skin Diseases - diagnosis
Skin Diseases - pathology
Telemedicine
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Summary:We examined the agreement between diagnoses of pigmented skin lesions based on an in-person (face-to-face) dermatological examination and diagnoses based on the study of medical records and images transferred through the web (teledermatoscopy). Two experienced dermatologists examined and diagnosed 64 pigmented skin lesions, which had been surgically excised and undergone histopathology examination. Two years later, the same cases were studied and diagnosed once again by the same dermatologists via the web. There was 72% agreement between the in-person diagnoses and the biopsy results (the gold standard), and 66% agreement between the telediagnoses and the biopsy results. Telemedicine had high sensitivity (87%) and specificity (73%), although there were 4 false-negative diagnoses. A web-based dermatoscopic diagnostic service appears to be feasible and would meet the needs for access to specialized services in rural areas. However, further work is required to decrease the number of false negative cases.
ISSN:1357-633X
1758-1109
DOI:10.1258/jtt.2009.081107