Descriptive dermoscopy terminology in Portuguese language in Brazil: a reproducibility analysis of the 3rd consensus of the International Dermoscopy Society

Abstract

BackgroundDermoscopy is a noninvasive complementary diagnostic method largely used in dermatology. Feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility are key elements for a diagnostic method to be useful, hence the importance of the terminology used to describe dermoscopic criteria.ObjectiveTo evaluate the reproducibility of the English descriptive terminology proposed for dermoscopic criteria at the 3rd Consensus Meeting of the International Dermoscopy Society in Brazilian Portuguese.MethodsNine Brazilian dermatologists independently analyzed the translation of sixty dermoscopic descriptive terms proposed at the 3rd Consensus Conference of the International Society of Dermoscopy. Interobserver agreement index was analyzed using the Fleiss' kappa test.ResultsThe interobserver agreement of the descriptive terminology in Brazilian Portuguese was considered weak (κ = 0.373;p < 0.05). The interobserver agreement of the descriptive terminology used to describe morphology and arrangement of vascular structures was considered moderate (κ = 0.43; p < 0.05).Study limitationsOur study limitations include the small number of participants and limited regional representation (only 2 out of 5 Brazilian regions were represented).ConclusionsThe descriptive English terminology proposed at the 3rd Consensus Conference of the International Dermoscopy Society revealed weak reproducibility and the morphology and arrangement of vascular structures presented moderate reproducibility in Brazilian Portuguese. Despite small regional differences, metaphoric terminology in dermoscopy seems to be the most useful and reproducible system to be adopted in Brazilian Portuguese.

Profile of the use of dermoscopy among dermatologists in Brazil (2018)

“… 15 , 16 , 17 The first consensus on the terminology used in the English language was published in 1990; only recently there was a study published evaluating the reproducibility of these terms in the Portuguese language. 18 , 19 Nonetheless, the frequency of training in dermoscopy during residency was higher among participants with less time since graduation, showing the gradual incorporation of the technique into the training of new specialists.…”

Akurasi Penggunaan Dermoskopi Dalam Diagnosis Skabies

“…Elemen kunci agar suatu prosedur diagnosis dapat bermanfaat adalah kelayakan dan keakuratan (18). Skabies dalam diagnosisnya tidak memiliki prosedur yang seragam secara general (8).…”