Journal article
Teledermatoscopy in Switzerland: a preliminary evaluation.
- Braun RP Pigmented Skin Lesion Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Geneva and DHURDV Geneva/Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Meier M
- Pelloni F
- Ramelet AA
- Schilling M
- Tapernoux B
- Thürlimann W
- Saurat JH
- Krischer J
- 2000-04-25
Published in:
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. - 2000
English
BACKGROUND
Since devices for digital epiluminescence microscopy and for telemedicine have become affordable, a critical evaluation of this new method has been needed.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was a critical evaluation of teledermatoscopy under routine conditions in private practice.
METHODS
Pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) scheduled for excision were documented with a digital epiluminescence microscopy (DELM) system. Images were sent to the PSL consultation at the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital Geneva, where a diagnosis was established. The histopathologic report including the initial diagnosis was sent afterward. Both approaches were compared concerning diagnostic accuracy.
RESULTS
Over a period of 6 months, 55 lesions on 51 patients have been included in this study. Picture quality was good or very good in more than 90%. Diagnostic accuracy of the teledermatoscopy approach was superior to that of the conventional approach for malignant melanocytic lesions.
CONCLUSION
We have shown the feasibility of a teledermatoscopic consultation. The gain of diagnostic accuracy in this teledermatoscopic approach, especially for malignant melanocytic lesions, suggests that patients might benefit directly from such a consultation at distance.
Since devices for digital epiluminescence microscopy and for telemedicine have become affordable, a critical evaluation of this new method has been needed.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was a critical evaluation of teledermatoscopy under routine conditions in private practice.
METHODS
Pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) scheduled for excision were documented with a digital epiluminescence microscopy (DELM) system. Images were sent to the PSL consultation at the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital Geneva, where a diagnosis was established. The histopathologic report including the initial diagnosis was sent afterward. Both approaches were compared concerning diagnostic accuracy.
RESULTS
Over a period of 6 months, 55 lesions on 51 patients have been included in this study. Picture quality was good or very good in more than 90%. Diagnostic accuracy of the teledermatoscopy approach was superior to that of the conventional approach for malignant melanocytic lesions.
CONCLUSION
We have shown the feasibility of a teledermatoscopic consultation. The gain of diagnostic accuracy in this teledermatoscopic approach, especially for malignant melanocytic lesions, suggests that patients might benefit directly from such a consultation at distance.
- Language
-
- English
- Open access status
- closed
- Identifiers
-
- DOI 10.1067/mjd.2000.103977
- PMID 10775852
- Persistent URL
- https://sonar.ch/global/documents/145617
Statistics
Document views: 21
File downloads: