First in vivo optical coherence tomography in the human bile duct.
OBJECTIVE
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a novel technique for performing high-resolution, cross-sectional tomographic imaging in human tissue, which allows resolution of up to 10 microm. The short depth of penetration allows assessment of the superficial 2 mm of the gastrointestinal tract, an area that is difficult to appraise even with high-frequency ultrasound. This is the first report on in vivo OCT of the human biliary system. The aim was to assess the feasibility of the technique.


METHODS
Four cases of intraductal OCT are presented. The probe was inserted through the working channel of a duodenoscope.


RESULTS
The connective tissue layer and the underlying retroperitoneal tissue, with less backscattering, could be clearly demonstrated. The images showed a layer architecture which was similar to that found histologically.


CONCLUSIONS
OCT of the biliary system is feasible in patients with biliary pathology. Interpretable images were obtained, and clinical use needs further assessment. As current OCT probes and processors do not yet provide optimal resolution, further generations of equipment with improved image quality are required.
Seitz
U
U
Dept. of Interdisciplinary Endoscopy, University Hospital Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Martinistrasse 52, 20251 Hamburg, Germany. seitz@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Freund
J
J
Jaeckle
S
S
Feldchtein
F
F
Bohnacker
S
S
Thonke
F
F
Gladkova
N
N
Brand
B
B
Schröder
S
S
Soehendra
N
N
D000368:Aged; D014670:Ampulla of Vater / Q000473:pathology; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000473:pathology*; D003138:Common Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D020698:Duodenoscopes; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019283:Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing / Q000473:pathology; D014054:Tomography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*