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Selected Publication:
Cijan, C.
The Role of Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis of erythematosquamous Skin Lesions
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2016. pp. 59
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Zalaudek Iris
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- Abstract:
- Actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, superficial basal cell carcinoma, psoriasis vulgaris and nummular eczema may present as erythematosquamous lesions. As their treatment varies significantly, an accurate differentiation between these entities is required. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an innovative optical imaging technology increasingly finding use in dermatology. The role of OCT for the differential diagnosis of the aforementioned diseases has not yet been explored. With reference to current relevant literature (2015) we aimed to define morphological criteria identifiable in Optical Coherence Tomography of the respective diseases and tried to assess the value of Optical Coherence Tomography in the diagnosis of erythematosquamous skin lesions. Erythematosquamous lesions were imaged by HD-OCT and examined for the presence of 30 defined OCT features. Statistical analysis was performed to identify morphological findings possibly useful for the differential diagnosis of erythematosquamous skin lesions. Fifty-one participants presenting with 74 lesions depicted in 220 HD-OCT 3D images were included. The mean age of the study cohort (51% male, 49% female) was 73 years (±15,7 years). Out of the 74 included lesions, a histologically verified diagnosis was found in 54 cases and a distinct clinical diagnosis existed in 20 cases. The most common or established OCT features were presented and statistical analysis was performed. For the basal cell carcinoma group, an algorithm by Boone et al. was applied and evaluated. Finally, an algorithm for the differential diagnosis of erythematosquamous plaques was developed, based upon the results of the study. OCT is a useful tool for differentiating common skin conditions presenting as erythematosquamous plaques. A correlation between certain OCT features and skin conditions could be confirmed. The eligibility of the proposed algorithm requires additional validation.