Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that offers a view into the superficial layers of the skin in vivo in real-time. An infrared broadband light source allows the visualization of micro structural morphology of tissues and changes up to a depth of 1–2 mm with a resolution between 3 and 15 μm, depending on the system used. The combination of the classical cross-sectional OCT images (vertical) and en-face view (horizontal) is now established routine and adds additional value to the diagnostic capability of the technique. Moreover, technological developments have led to an increased resolution, a larger field of view as well as an increased scanning speed in current systems. OCT enables evaluation of non-melanoma skin cancers, melanocytic lesions and inflammatory diseases, assessment of wound, investigation of hair and nail disorders, quantification of skin changes and therapy monitoring. Dynamic OCT (D-OCT) allows the in vivo evaluation of blood vessels and their distribution within specific lesions, providing additional functional information and consequently greater density of data. D-OCT is applicable in skin cancers including melanoma, as well as in a variety of inflammatory skin diseases, chronic wounds and other areas of dermatological research. This chapter will give an overview of this technology and its indications.