Computer-aided analysis of intraoral ulcerative lesions.

At the present time there is no objective method to evaluate oral ulcerative lesions for degree of inflammation, surface area, or other parameters of healing. The capability of infrared photography to uniquely image the inflammatory process associated with oral lesions and the use of image-processing technology for parameter analysis was investigated. Lesions were compared cross-sectionally and over time for area of tissue degeneration, active inflammation, and intensity of inflammation with respect to adjacent tissue. Eight subjects were available for study. Standard black and white, color, and black and white infrared photographs were taken in accord with study protocols. A reflectance standard was included in each photograph to normalize the background intensity. A video camera was used to enter the data into a microcomputer image processing system. Quantitative data obtained included area of ulceration and erythematous halo, inflammatory intensity changes over time, and intensity with respect to adjacent tissue. This computer-aided photographic technique was able to quantify healing progression and intensity parameters associated with intraoral inflammatory lesions.