Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography as a tool for three‐dimensional in vivo quantification of healthy epidermis: A pilot study

Abstract

Epidermal three-dimensional (3D) topography/quantification has not been completely characterized yet. The recently developed line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) provides real-time, high-resolution, in-vivo 3D imaging of the skin. This pilot study aimed at quantifying epidermal metrics (epidermal thicknesses, dermal-epidermal junction [DEJ] undulation and keratinocyte number/shape/size) using 3D LC-OCT. For each study participant (8 female, skintype-II, younger/older volunteers), seven body sites were imaged with LC-OCT. Epidermal metrics were calculated by segmentations and measurements assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) when appropriate. Thicknesses of epidermis/SC, DEJ undulation and keratinocyte nuclei volume varied across body sites. Evidence of keratinocyte maturation was observed in vivo: keratinocyte nuclei being small/spherical near the DEJ and flatter/elliptical near the skin surface. Skin microanatomy can be quantified by combining LC-OCT and AI.This technology could be highly relevant to understand aging processes and conditions linked to epidermal disorders. Future clinical/research applications are to be expected in this scenario.

Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography: A new diagnostic method of lichen planopilaris

“…LC-OCT permits to provide two-dimensional (2D) vertical and horizontal images as well as three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions. [7][8][9] Recent studies investigated the potential usefulness of reflectance confocal microscopy as a helpful diagnostic tool in lichen planopilaris. 10 Herein, we describe for the first time LC-OCT features of classic form of LPP.…”

Utilizing deep learning for dermal matrix quality assessment on in vivo line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography images

“…13 In comparison with previously described technologies, LC-OCT provides the best tradeoff in terms of spatial resolution (∼1 µm) and deep penetration for the study of skin structures located in the dermis. [14][15][16][17] Indeed, we demonstrated in a previous study that LC-OCT can be used as a new method for the quantification of superficial dermis thickness in vivo and non-invasively. 18 Analysis of obtained images is classically performed by experts, trained to decipher such images.…”

“…Recently developed, line‐field confocal OCT (LC‐OCT) is an innovative technology combining conventional OCT and RCM 13 . In comparison with previously described technologies, LC‐OCT provides the best trade‐off in terms of spatial resolution (∼1 μm) and deep penetration for the study of skin structures located in the dermis 14–17 . Indeed, we demonstrated in a previous study that LC‐OCT can be used as a new method for the quantification of superficial dermis thickness in vivo and non‐invasively 18 …”

Line‐field confocal optical coherence tomography for in vivo visualization of morphological characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma in a murine model

“…8,9 Recently, LC-OCT has been introduced, which combines high resolution with a medium penetration depth, greater than RCM. 12,13 LC-OCT has been explored in previous studies to differentiate pre-malignant lesions from SCC 14,15 and to characterize and monitor BCCs. 16 To build on previous efforts to determine noninvasive KC imaging characteristics, we aimed to visualize a predefined set of prominent morphological characteristics of SCC in a well-established SCC murine model using LC-OCT.…”

“…On the contrary, OCT cannot visualize cellular morphology but permits evaluation of tumor invasiveness due to its higher penetration depth 8,9 . Recently, LC‐OCT has been introduced, which combines high resolution with a medium penetration depth, greater than RCM 12,13 . LC‐OCT has been explored in previous studies to differentiate pre‐malignant lesions from SCC 14,15 and to characterize and monitor BCCs 16 …”