Colorimetric analysis of pigmented skin lesions: a pilot study with the Visi-Chroma VC-100 device.
BACKGROUND
Definition of the colour of pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) with the naked eye remains subjective and may be influenced by lighting. This problem underlines the usefulness of instrumental assessments such as epiluminescence microscopy and colorimetric devices.


OBJECTIVE
We describe here a new method of colour analysis of PSLs with the Visi-Chroma VC-100 device, which illuminates the surface of the skin with white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and analyses the reflected light by a red-green-blue (RGB) charge-coupled device (CCD) colour camera. Twenty-one PSLs to be excised for cosmetic or medical reasons were analysed by this device with clinicopathological correlation.


CONCLUSIONS
This method is feasible and might be useful to assess the colour of PSLs and allow comparisons for changes over time. Further studies are needed to determine the usefulness of this device in clinical practice.
Vereecken
P
P
Department of Dermatology, Erasme Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium. vereecken.pierre@belgacom.net
Mommaerts
M
M
Duez
C
C
Petein
M
M
Laporte
M
M
Hubinon
J-L
JL
Heenen
M
M
D046169:Dermoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000145:classification*; D010865:Pilot Projects