Abstract
Background and Objectives
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a depth resolved imaging modality that may aid in identifying sun damaged skin and the precancerous condition actinic keratosis (AK).
Study Design/Materials and Methods
OCT images were acquired of 112 patients at 2 sun protected and 2 sun exposed sites, with a subsequent biopsy. Each site received a dermatological evaluation, a histological diagnosis, and a solar elastosis (SE) score. OCT images were examined visually and statistically analyzed.
Results
Characteristic OCT image features were identified of sun protected, undiseased, sun damaged, and AK skin. A statistically significant difference (P<0.0001) between the average attenuation values of skin with minimal and severe solar elastosis was observed. Significant differences (P<0.0001) were also found between undiseased skin and AK using a gradient analysis. Using image features, AK could be distinguished from undiseased skin with 86% sensitivity and 83% specificity.
Conclusion
OCT has the potential to guide biopsies and provide nonโinvasive measures of skin sun damage and disease state, possibly increasing efficiency of chemopreventive agent trials. Lesers Surg. Med. 39:687โ695, 2007. ยฉ 2007 WileyโLiss, Inc.