Full-Field Optical Coherence Tomography: A New Technology for 3D High-Resolution Skin Imaging

Background/Aims: Full-field optical coherence tomography (FFOCT) is a new imaging technology that can provide 3D micron-level resolution and is suited for high-resolution imaging of biological tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate its capacity and potential for imaging human epidermis and dermis and various skin pathologies in ex vivo and in vivo conditions. Methods: Non-fixed and fixed samples of normal and pathological skin and normal in vivo skin were imaged with a FFOCT system and compared to histological slides. Results: The epidermis and adnexae, the collagen bundles of the dermis and the hypodermis could be identified through architectural and cellular details. The pathological structures were distinguished from the normal structures and corresponded to their histopathological organization. Conclusion: FFOCT is a novel technology in the field of skin imaging that has the potential to be a relevant complement to existing non-invasive imaging modalities for clinical and cosmetic applications. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel