High-resolution imaging of gynecologic neoplasms using optical coherence tomography

Background: A modality capable of imaging the female reproductive tract, at or near the cellular level, could lead to the detection of diseases at earlier stages than currently possible. Optical coherenece tomography achieves high resolutions in the cellular range (4-20 mu m) and could accomplish that level of detection. Method: Optical coherence tomography imaging of gynecologic tissue was studied in vitro on normal and neoplastic human cervical and uterine tissue. Experience: The structures of the normal ectocervix and endocercrix, including epithelium, basal membrane, and glands, were identified clearly. These findings were compared with changes associated with carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. The optical coherence tomography images of the uterus also showed changes between microstructural features of normal tissue and endometrial adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography of tissue microstructures showed potential for powerful, minimally invasive assessment of the female reproductive tract at a resolution greater than any current clinical imaging method. (C) 1999 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.