posted on 2023-11-21, 09:06authored byMadita Göb, Bayan Mustafa, Linh Ha-Wissel, Sazgar Burhan, Jennifer Hundt, Robert Huber
In dermatological practice, assessment of disease severity in inflammatory skin diseases typically relies on visual-based scoring. Since this method is prone to inter-observer variabilities, there is an unmet need for user-independent biomarkers for quantitative disease scoring and early treatment response detection. This work demonstrates a novel automated vessel count algorithm that aims to detect the pathological vessel elongation in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The algorithm utilizes optical coherence tomography angiography images. Preliminary results from patient data demonstrate the capability of the technique to differentiate between healthy and inflamed skin.<p></p>
History
Funder Name
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (EXC 2167-390884018); Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (13GW0227B: “Neuro-OCT”,13N14665: “UltraLas”); State of Schleswig-Holstein (Excellence Chair Program)
Preprint ID
110844
Highlighter Commentary
The study investigates the use of optical coherence tomography as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for psoriasis (PSO) and atopic dermatitis (AD), which are chronic inflammatory skin diseases. The research focuses on developing a robust, fully automated vessel count algorithm using optical coherence tomography angiography datasets, demonstrating its potential as a novel biomarker to objectively measure disease activity in patients with PSO and AD. The algorithm accurately detects and quantifies vessel numbers, offering a user-independent approach for diagnosis and severity grading, potentially advancing the understanding and management of inflammatory skin diseases.
-- Mousa Moradi, Ph.D. Candidate BME, UMASS Amherst