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No universally accepted standard exists for camera-acquired dermatologic images

Universally accepted standards for camera-acquired digital dermatologic images have not yet been developed, validated or adopted, according to a recently published systematic literature review.

Allan C. Halpern, MD, and colleagues conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases in January 2013 using search terms for photography, standardization and medical specialty, including dermatology, ophthalmology and plastic surgery, and medical illustration. A gray literature search of 14 websites was used to augment the systematic search.

Allan C. Halpern

There were 7,371 unique publications screened by two independent reviewers. Forty-nine publications with the most recent, considered 1985-2013, or detailed description of technology or technique standards for dermatologic images were included in the final review after three sequential full-text reviews.

The researchers could not identify “universally accepted existing technology or technique standards for camera-based digital images in dermatology,” they wrote.

Technology imaging standards, including spatial resolution, color resolution, compression, output, archiving and storage, and security during storage and transmission were recommendations summarized in the review. Other recommendations included technique imaging standards, which included environmental conditions, patient pose and standard view sets, and patient consent, privacy and confidentiality.

The researchers also reported on proposed standards for specific dermatology use cases, including total body photography, teledermatology and dermoscopy.

“While technology is rapidly evolving, adherence to minimal quality metrics and consistent use of basic metadata will help ensure the usefulness and exchangeability of camera-acquired digital dermatologic images for the foreseeable future,” the researchers concluded. “The International Society for Digital Imaging of the Skin is working toward the development of digital imaging standards.” — by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: Quigley reported receiving royalties from UpToDate, Inc. Please see the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.