Is it feasible to use smartphone images to perform telediagnosis of different stages of occlusal caries lesions?

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202116
• Publication Date: 2018-09-06T17:36:55Z
• Authors: Eduardo K. Kohara; Camilla G. Abdala; Tatiane F. Novaes; Mariana M. Braga; Ana E. Haddad; Fausto M. Mendes
• Keywords: Cohen's kappa; Kappa; Inter-Rater Reliability

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance two different models smartphone and a conventional camera with that direct clinical examination in detecting caries lesions at stages progression deciduous molars. photographic equipment consisted smartphones (iPhone Nexus 4) macro setup. First, laboratory phase study, we compared images 20 exfoliated primary teeth having stages. Then, 119 molars from fifteen children (3 6 years old) were used. All taken using previously described devices. In both groups, examiners, blinded used, assessed independently on computer screen, classified them according International Caries Detection Assessment System (ICDAS). then examined directly by other experienced consensus reached considered reference standard. Parameters validity, such as percentage correct answers, agreement standard, sensitivity, specificity inter-examiner (using weighted kappa test) calculated. examiners performed similarly vitro vivo studies. Inter-examiner reliability approximately 0.7 for all devices setting, photography system but it 0.9 iPhone vivo. With regard highest values observed sound extensive settings. answers initial moderate particularly low evaluation, irrespective Therefore, concluded diagnosis is feasible accurate distinguishing tooth surfaces lesions; however, are not good method accurately lesions.