Usefulness of three-dimensional digital image analysis for objective evaluation of the efficacy of non-facial port-wine stain treatment with large spot 532 nm laser

INTRODUCTION: New devices such as the large spot KTP laser are being introduced for the treatment of port-wine stains (PWS). AIM: To assess the efficacy of the large spot 532 nm laser for non-facial PWS with 3D image analysis and compare it with subjective evaluation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty PWS were photographed with a 3D photo unit before and after 532 nm large spot KTP laser treatment. Fifteen lesions were previously treated by different devices and five were not. Objective analysis of percentage improvement based on a 3D digital assessment of combined color and area improvement was performed and rates of improvement were determined as well as subjective evaluation of before and after images by a physician on a 5-grade scale. RESULTS: Mean objective response was 57.0%. A poor response was observed in 5% with the objective method and with no patient with the subjective method. A moderate response was achieved by 25% and 30% with the objective and subjective assessment respectively. A significant response was obtained by 55% objectively and 10% subjectively. 75–100% was achieved by 15% and 60% in the objective and subjective analysis respectively. The two methods significantly correlated with each other but the average subjective improvement rates were higher than the objective rates. CONCLUSIONS: Both objective and subjective analysis indicated that the large spot 532 nm laser is highly effective in the treatment of the neck and trunk. 3D color and area objective analysis provides an accurate tool to measure the efficacy of PWS treatment.