Utility of line-field confocal optical coherence tomography in the pediatric population

BACKGROUND: In the last decades diagnosis of dermatological diseases has achieved a significant progress with the aid of imaging technologies. In pediatric population dermatologic procedural investigations require special considerations, skill sets, and knowledge. Avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures in children is highly recommended to reduce psychological disturbance and cosmetical scars. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is an innovative, high-resolution, non-invasive imaging technique, that is proving to be valuable in the diagnosis of different skin conditions. In this study, we aimed to analyze the most common indications for LC-OCT in pediatric age group, discussing its potential role in clinical setting. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical charts of patients ≤18 years of age, who were performed clinical, dermoscopy and LC-OCT for equivocal skin lesions, was conducted. Diagnostic confidence level was calculated for clinical/dermoscopic diagnosis alone and for combined clinical/dermoscopy and LC-OCT findings, based on a three-point scale ranging from 0% to 100%. RESULTS: Seventy-four skin lesions in 73 patients [(39 (53.4%) females and 34 (46.6%) males, mean age 13.2 (range 5-18 years) years] were investigated with LC-OCT. Diagnosis was established with histopathology in 23/74 (31.1%) cases, while 51/74 (68.9%) skin lesions were monitored over time or treated with topical/physical therapy. High diagnostic confidence increased by 21.6% after LC-OCT assessment, meanwhile reducing low and average score. CONCLUSIONS: LC-OCT may add practical clues for the identification of common skin conditions in pediatric population, improving diagnostic confidence and consequent tailored approach.