Validation of Dynamic optical coherence tomography for non-invasive, in vivo microcirculation imaging of the skin

Imaging Blood Vessel Morphology in Skin: Dynamic Optical Coherence Tomography as a Novel Potential Diagnostic Tool in Dermatology

“…Turning to D-OCT, Themstrup et al showed that D-OCT can reliably depict and determine the vasculature and its changes in normal skin due to physiological influences on the blood flow [9]. The information about vasculature is added to the structure of the common OCT image.…”

Dynamic optical coherence tomography of skin blood vessels – proposed terminology and practical guidelines

“…8,10 In contrast to established techniques such as dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy, D-OCT allows the analysis of microvasculature to a depth of at least 500 lm and the 3D reconstruction of vascular networks. Although first results seem promising, a standardized terminology is required to secure that the results of ongoing research can be communicated in a valid and reproducible manner.…”

“…5,6 As a recent technical improvement, 'dynamic' OCT (D-OCT) allows the visualization of blood flow in vivo and therefore enables the visualization of microvasculature. 2,[7][8][9][10] As in all imaging techniques, correct image acquisition is important in D-OCT, but as functional data of blood flow is produced, special attention to the acquisition process and the reproducibility of the findings is required. New technology often needs new terminology, which is of major importance for the description of findings, for interpretation of data and to extract information.…”

A novel image processing workflow for the in vivo quantification of skin microvasculature using dynamic optical coherence tomography

“…D‐OCT can be viewed as an angiographic variation of OCT. The technique combines conventional OCT images with flow data to produce images of the in vivo microvasculature in the skin …”

“…The objective of the scientific endeavor described herein was to develop and apply a novel dedicated image processing workflow, which will enhance the technical capabilities of D‐OCT in the vascular network of the skin and characterization of its spatial distribution. A clinical study, applying this new methodology, was conducted to: visualize skin microvasculature using D‐OCT and assess the vascular patterns as described previously; quantify the skin microvasculature and address the main challenges encountered in D‐OCT such as motion artifacts and low SNR; evaluate the D‐OCT technology in comparison with laser Doppler imaging (LDI) which was used as a reference method; assess the increase in dermal blood flow (vasodilation) induced by topical application of capsaicin, as previously demonstrated …”