Investigation of the sensitivity of a cross-polarized light visualization system to detect subclinical erythema and dryness in women with vulvovaginitis
Received 2 October 2008; received in revised form 10 December 2008; accepted 26 February 2009. published online 24 April 2009.
Objective
An enhanced visualization technique using polarized light (Syris v600 enhanced visualization system; Syris Scientific LLC, Gray, ME) detects surface and subsurface (≈1 mm depth) inflammation. We sought to compare the Syris v600 system with unaided visual inspection and colposcopy of the female genitalia.
Study Design
Erythema and dryness of the vulva, introitus, vagina, and cervix were visualized and scored by each method in patients with and without vulvitis.
Results
Subsurface visualization was more sensitive in detecting genital erythema and dryness at all sites whether or not symptoms were present. Subsurface inflammation of the introitus, vagina, and cervix only was detected uniquely in women with vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS). A subset of women presenting with VVS exhibited subclinical inflammation of the vulva vestibule and vagina (designated VVS/lichen sclerosus subgroup).
Conclusion
Enhanced visualization of the genital epithelial subsurface with cross-polarized light may assist in diagnosing subclinical inflammation in vulvar conditions heretofore characterized as sensory syndromes.
aFeminine Clinical Sciences, The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH
bDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY
Reprints: Miranda Farage, PhD, The Procter & Gamble Company, Winton Hill Technical Center, 6110 Center Hill Rd., Box 136, Cincinnati, OH 45224
Cite this article as: Farage MA, Singh M, Ledger WJ. Investigation of the sensitivity of a cross-polarized light visualization system to detect subclinical erythema and dryness in women with vulvovaginitis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;201:20.e1-6.
ABSTRACT