Comparison of line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography images with histological sections: Validation of a new method for in vivo and non‐invasive quantification of superficial dermis thickness

Abstract

BackgroundLine‐field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC‐OCT) is an imaging technique providing “optical biopsies” of the skin in real time and non‐invasively. At a center optical wavelength of 1.3 µm, this innovative technology can be applied to dermo‐cosmetic product development due to both high image resolution (~2 µm) and sufficient penetration (~0.5 mm). Nevertheless, the precise dermal area analyzed with LC‐OCT has never been identified. In this study, the objective was to compare LC‐OCT images with histological sections of the same area, in order to validate a new method for in vivo and non‐invasive quantification of superficial dermis thickness. Once validated, this standardized and quantitative method was used to assess age‐related changes of the superficial dermis.Materials and MethodsEx vivo LC‐OCT acquisitions and hematoxylin‐eosin‐safran staining were performed on a panel of four healthy Caucasian female volunteers. In vivo LC‐OCT study of skin aging was performed on a panel of 37 healthy Caucasian female divided into five different age‐groups.ResultsComparison with histological sections revealed that LC‐OCT images allow the visualization and the quantification of the superficial portion of papillary dermis. Applied to different age‐group of volunteers, LC‐OCT images show a constant decrease in this superficial dermis thickness with age.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we have introduced LC‐OCT as a novel technique for in vivo and non‐invasive evaluation of superficial dermis thickness. This approach could be used in the future to demonstrate visually and quantitatively the capacity of a dermo‐cosmetic active ingredient to renormalize the structural properties of the dermis.

Invivocharacterization of healthy human skin with a novel, non‐invasive imaging technique: line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography

“…In this regard, a recent preliminary investigation showed promising results. 8 The quantitative analysis showed significant body site-dependent variability of SC/epidermal thickness and presence of the rete ridges. The highest values of SC/epidermal thickness were found on back of hand, forearm, forehead and nose; the most prominent dermal papillae were detected on back and chest.…”

“…Further studies are needed to systematically assess the correlation of LC‐OCT with histopathology. In this regard, a recent preliminary investigation showed promising results 8 …”

Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography—Practical applications in dermatology and comparison with established imaging methods

“…It is provided with a wheeled cart, so that it can be easily moved towards the patient. Complete technical details are described elsewhere 10‐12 …”

A plea for standardization of confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography parameters to evaluate physiological and para‐physiological skin conditions in cosmetic science

“…Several non‐invasive diagnostic methods have been proposed as useful tools for skin investigation, 5–12 and in this setting of constantly emerging technologies to assist with medical diagnosis, dermatology distinguishes itself with the promise of high‐definition imaging devices capable of in vivo resolutions approaching those of histopathology. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are among the most used techniques for in vivo evaluation of the skin 13–17 . These techniques have been already proven to be helpful in the diagnosis of skin cancers and inflammatory skin diseases due to their excellent correlation with histopathology 16–25 …”