Imaging of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) using en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT)

Mona A Khandwala (1) , Bhanu Rakesh Penmetsa (2) , Sarju Dey (3) , J B Schofield (1) , Carole Jones (1) , Adrian Podoleanu (2)

1 Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
2 Applied Optics Group, University of Kent
3 Mayday NHS Trust

Aim To use en-face OCT imaging to identify features of tumour tissue and their correlation with histopathology, and to assess the effect of different wavelengths and resolutions of OCT in identifying tumour boundaries and features. Methods Excision specimens of biopsy-proven periocular BCCs (n=8) were assessed by OCT performing in vitro B scans and en-face scans of the tissues. Images were collected from 3 different machines; systems 1 & 2 had a wavelength of 1300nm and system 3 had a wavelength of 840nm. System 2 used high numerical aperture (NA) interface optics allowing higher temporal resolution. All 8 specimens subsequently underwent routine histopathology examination. Results Three common features of tumour tissue were observed in all three systems- lobular pattern of abnormal architecture, dilated blood vessels and high reflective margins. System 1 had an overall performance (i.e. picked up at least one of the three features) of 87.5%, whilst systems 2 and 3 had overall performances of 75% and 25% respectively. Conclusion En-face OCT imaging has the potential to identify tumour tissue from healthy tissue. It also showed correlation with corresponding histopathology findings. Non contact OCT imaging of the skin is a non invasive, convenient and quick method and can be useful for demarcating BCCs on the face and eyelids.

Mots clés: Eye Lids; Pathology; Neoplasia; Imaging; Diagnostic tests/Investigation

Mona A Khandwala, Bhanu Rakesh Penmetsa, Sarju Dey, J B Schofield, Carole Jones, et al.. Imaging of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) using en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT). British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2010, 94 (10), pp.1332. ⟨10.1136/bjo.2009.170811⟩. ⟨hal-00557342⟩