
pmid: 21482914
C ERTAIN DERMOSCOPIC STRUCTURES ARE more conspicuous with nonpolarized dermoscopy (NPD), while others are more conspicuous with polarized dermoscopy (PD). The introduction of “hybrid” dermoscopes allows the user to toggle between polarized and nonpolarized light. We found that structures that are more conspicuous with either NPD or PD appear to “blink” when the observer toggles between light modes. Figure 1 is a melanoma. With PD (Figure 1B), shiny white lines, or crystalline structures (formerly called chrysalislike structures ) are visible. Because they are not visible with NPD (Figure 1A), they appear to blink when the observer toggles between NPD and PD (Video 1, http://www.archdermatol.com). Figure2 is a seborrheic keratosis. With NPD (Figure 2A), multiple comedo openings and milia cysts are seen. Because milia cysts and comedo openings are less conspicuous with PD (Figure 2B), they blink when the observer toggles between light sources (Video 2). In our experience, the presence of crystalline structures, which can easily be confirmed via the blink sign, can assist in detecting amelanotic and nodular melanoma, thereby increasing diagnostic sensitivity. The presence of multiple milia cysts, which can also easily be seen via the blink test, increases diagnostic specificity by helping to correctly identify seborrheic keratosis.
2708 Dermatology, Skin Neoplasms, 10177 Dermatology Clinic, Humans, 610 Medicine & health, Dermoscopy, Keratosis, Seborrheic, 610 Medicine & health, Melanoma, Sensitivity and Specificity
2708 Dermatology, Skin Neoplasms, 10177 Dermatology Clinic, Humans, 610 Medicine & health, Dermoscopy, Keratosis, Seborrheic, 610 Medicine & health, Melanoma, Sensitivity and Specificity
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 17 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
