Optical coherence tomography of the human skin - 11/09/11
Abstract |
Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new diagnostic method for tissue characterization.
Objective: We investigated normal and pathologic structures in human skin in several locations to evaluate the potential application of this technique to dermatology.
Methods: Based on the principle of low-coherence interferometry, cross-sectional images of the human skin can be obtained in vivo with a high spatial resolution of about 15 μm. Within a penetration depth of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, structures of the stratum corneum, the living epidermis, and the papillary dermis can be distinguished.
Results: Different layers could be detected that were differentiated by induction of experimental blisters and by comparison with corresponding histologic sections. Furthermore, OCT images of several skin diseases and tumors were obtained.
Conclusion: OCT is a promising new imaging method for visualization of morphologic changes of superficial layers of the human skin. It may be useful for noninvasive diagnosis of bullous skin diseases, skin tumors, and in vivo investigation of pharmacologic effects. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:958-63.)
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 | From the Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Lübeck,a and the Medical Laser Center, Lübeck.b |
| Supported in part by the German Ministry of Science and Research (BMBF), FK No. 13N6302. |
 | Reprint requests: Julia Welzel, MD, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany. |
| 0190-9622/97/$5.00 + 0 16/1/84861 |
Vol 37 - N° 6
P. 958-963 - décembre 1997 Retour au numéro
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