Dermatology Online Journal

Title: Dermatology Imagebank
Author: Anthony du Vivier

Publisher: Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, UK 1998
ISBN: 0-86542-657-0
Cost: Cost: $200 personal/institutional

Review by James Dinulos, M.D.
Dermatology Online Journal 5(2): 10

Review

Dr. du Vivier is well known for his atlas of dermatological images that is available in book and slide formats. He has produced a CD-ROM collection of over 1500 ultra-high resolution (24 bit) dermatological images that can be viewed on Macintosh and personal computers (PC). Minimal PC technical requirements are 80486 50MHz processor, 8 MB of RAM, 5MB hard disk space, 16 bit display driver (64000 colors), and CD-ROM drive. Minimal Macintosh requirements are 68030 processor, 8 MB RAM, 8 MB free hard disk space, system 7.1 or higher, 16 bit display driver, and CD-ROM drive. The software package includes Microsoft¹s Internet Explorer, which is utilized as the interface. Internet connection is not required to view images and other browsers such as Netscape navigator function equally well. I viewed images on an IBM ThinkPad (400MHz processor, 32 MB of RAM, 31 MB of hard disk space and 16 bit display driver), which produced excellent image quality and program speed. A 24 bit display was significantly smaller without detectable improvement in image clarity. A Power Macintosh 7300/200 provided similar image quality, however Dermatology Imagebank operated slower comparatively. The images may be imported into Microsoft's Power Point program.

Sycosis barbae

Through Dermatology Imagebank, Dr. duVivier hopes to demystify descriptive dermatology by providing images that clearly depict dermatological conditions and provide text to guide medical providers in differential diagnosis and management. CR-ROM technology allows one to move rapidly back and forth between images, which makes comparative study easier. The interface allows one to search the image base by disease, lesion morphology or anatomic region. This format is useful and easy to use; it allows one with a clinical problem to attempt to sort through images in a systematic manner. Proper use of Imagebank should produce an accurate and substantial dermatological differential diagnosis for providers without formal dermatology training. A broad range of cutaneous disease is represented in 18 different categories. Images are representative of the stated dermatological conditions and are almost equal to the clarity of positive slide images. However, the accompanying general text is superficial and unfocused and therefore, is not helpful with clinical level decision making; other sources (i.e. dermatology textbooks) provide better information regarding disease pathogenesis and management. This atlas would benefit from pointed discussions aimed at helping generalists develop treatment plans. One example is the management section on acne. More information is given regarding treatment with Accutane (1 mg/kg for twenty weeks), than topical medications, which are listed in broad categories (antibacterial agents, keratolytic agents, and retinoic acid). A better approach would be to cite examples of topical preparations, explain the rationale for their use, and provide information about specialist referral.

Erythema multiforme

Rapid image selection, ability to import images into slide-maker programs, and an easy to use interface are distinct advantages over standard book and slide formats. Trainees and teachers at all levels and specialties may benefit by learning dermatology with this CD-ROM. Overall, Dermatology Imagebank has a well-constructed interface and an outstanding dermatology image collection that together bring to full color the descriptive language of dermatology.

	Mac Version	PC Version	Cost*	Number of Images	Search Function
Habif	yes	yes	$179	3000	yes
Rook		yes	$295	1767	yes
Fitzpatrick	yes	yes	$79	595	yes
Saunders	yes	yes	$275	2500	yes
Reeves	yes	yes	$199	340	yes
Duvivier	yes	yes	$200	1500	yes

	Notepad Feature	Bookmark Feature	Online Help	Formulary	Additional Features Compared to print version
Habif	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Rook	yes		yes
Fitzpatrick		yes	yes
Saunders	yes	yes
Reeves	no	no	no	yes	N/A
duVivier	no	no	no	yes	N/A

Tables: Comparison of Features of Dermatology CD-ROMs Reviewed in This and Earlier 'Media Review' Sections of Dermatology On-Line Journal. ^*(All costs quoted are for personal purchases)



© 1999 Dermatology Online Journal

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