Quantitative Analysis of Sclerotherapy Results by Using Digital Photography and a Computer Program

BACKGROUND: Despite different telangiectasia treatments in the lower limbs, there is no method standardization for results assessment, making comparison between the existing treatments conflicting. OBJECTIVE: To compare the assessment carried out by a group of specialists with the assessment carried out by a computer program, according to clearance degree of telangiectasias during treatment by sclerotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients (21 studied areas) with telangiectasias of thighs and popliteal fossa were assessed, with a mean age of 37.5 (21-59) years old, all female. The pre- and posttreatment photos were standardized as per distance, light exposure, and aperture time. The sclerotherapy sessions were performed with 75% glucose. The clearance degree of telangiectasias was judged by a group of six doctors and by a computer program that analyzed the initial and final photos. The results of such assessment were compared according to concordance and correlation. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the assessments carried out by the specialists and the assessments carried out by the computer program according to the sclerotherapy results. CONCLUSION: The assessment carried out by the computer program was equivalent to the assessment carried out by the specialists in the judgment of clearance degree of telangiectasias of the lower limbs.