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Quantifying Cutaneous Dermatomyositis: A Novel 3D Image-Based Approach.
Nantakarn Pongtarakulpanit1, Anuradha Bishnoi2, Tanya Chandra3
1N. Pongtarakulpanit, MD, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, and Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
This study shows 3D imaging is a valid and responsive tool for assessing skin disease activity in dermatomyositis (DM). 3D image-derived rash measurements accurately predict disease severity scores.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Imaging
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Visual skin lesion assessment in dermatomyositis (DM) is subjective and varies between clinicians.
- Objective and reliable methods are needed to quantify cutaneous disease activity in DM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using 3D imaging for evaluating skin rash activity in DM.
- To determine the validity and responsiveness of a 3D image-based disease activity score (3DAS).
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 27 DM patients evaluated using the Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Disease Area and Severity Index (CDASI) and 3D imaging.
- A 3D image disease activity score (3DAS) was calculated based on rash area and redness.
- Spearman correlation and generalized linear regression analyzed the relationship between 3DAS, CDASI, and patient-reported outcomes.
Main Results:
- 3DAS showed strong construct validity, correlating highly with CDASI (r=0.83) and patient-reported outcomes.
- 3D image-derived rash area and redness significantly predicted CDASI scores.
- 3DAS demonstrated strong responsiveness, with changes correlating with CDASI score changes (r=0.61).
Conclusions:
- 3D imaging offers a valid and responsive method for assessing DM skin rashes.
- 3D image analysis of rash characteristics can reliably predict disease severity as measured by CDASI.
