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3D total body photography enables feasible and acceptable diagnosis of general skin diseases with strong physician agreement and positive patient acceptance.
A new study led by Sebastian Sitaru and other researchers highlights the potential of three-dimensional total body photography (3D TBP) as a diagnostic tool in dermatology, extending its use beyond the early detection of skin malignancies. While the technology is already recognized for its respectable accuracy in cancer detection, its role in evaluating general skin conditions has remained unclear—until now.
Investigators carried out an observer agreement study involving 294 patients who presented with a wide spectrum of skin changes. Each patient underwent both a traditional face-to-face examination and a 3D TBP scan. The scans were then reviewed independently by 2 senior dermatologists, without any direct patient interaction, to compare diagnostic outcomes.
The findings revealed that the primary diagnoses matched in 68.4% of cases for 1 dermatologist and 81.1% for the other, indicating strong concordance between conventional clinical evaluation and 3D TBP-based assessment. Patients also provided feedback through questionnaires, with the majority expressing positive views towards the technology. However, some highlighted concerns around privacy and feelings of embarrassment, suggesting that wider adoption may necessitate addressing these barriers.
Although the study acknowledges limitations such as recruitment bias, the results underscore that 3D TBP is both feasible and acceptable for diagnosing a broad range of skin ailments. The researchers emphasize the requisition for further studies to define its role in dermatology, particularly in light of the declining number of practicing dermatologists worldwide.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Remote evaluation of general skin diseases using three-dimensional total body photography: An observer agreement study
Sebastian Sitaru et al.
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