Image postproduction analysis as a tool for evaluating topical photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Topical Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive technique used in various medical specialties. The method involves the use of a light source and a photosensitizer leading to the release of Reactive Oxygen Species and a cytotoxic effect on lesional tissue. PDT can treat various lesions , and in particular Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMD). CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case illustrating the feasibility of PDT in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). To objectively evaluate the clinical evolution, we used postproduction analysis of the photo taken before (T0), seven days after (T1), and twenty-eight days (T2) after PDT. Lesional measures were used to rate each picture on the Thongprasom score, Clinical Severity Index, and Efficacy Index. CONCLUSIONS: Postproduction analysis showed a significant decrease in dimensions and concomitant improvement on all evaluated scales. Our results ar in line with previous literature on the application of PDT to OPMD and specifically confirm the benefit of this therapeutic approach in OLP. Postproduction analysis appears to be a useful tool to further validate this technique.