Impact of clinical photographs on the accuracy and confidence in the histopathological diagnosis of mycosis fungoides

Background The histopathological diagnosis of MF is challenging, and there is significant overlap with benign inflammatory processes. Clinical features may be relevant in the assessment of skin biopsies. Methods We provided photomicrographs to board-certified dermatopathologists and one hematopathologist with and without accompanying clinical photographs and assessed accuracy and confidence in diagnosing MF. Results We found that access to clinical photographs improved diagnostic accuracy in both MF and non-MF (distractors); the degree of improvement was significantly higher in the non-MF/distractor category. Across all categories, diagnostic confidence level was higher when clinical images were available. Conclusion These findings suggest that clinical images are useful in making an accurate diagnosis of MF, and may be particularly helpful in ruling it out when an inflammatory disorder is clinically suspected.

Automated summary

Clinical images can improve diagnostic accuracy for both MF and non-MF cases, with a greater impact seen in non-MF cases. Overall, diagnostic confidence is higher when clinical images are available, suggesting their usefulness in accurately diagnosing MF and helping rule it out when an inflammatory disorder is suspected clinically.