TY - JOUR

T1 - Vascular morphology in normal skin studied with dynamic optical coherence tomography

AU - Andersen, Pernille Lindsø

AU - Olsen, Jonas

AU - Friis, Kersti Brosbøl Engelund

AU - Themstrup, Lotte

AU - Grandahl, Kasper

AU - Mortensen, Ole Steen

AU - Jemec, Gregor Borut Ernst

PY - 2018/9/1

Y1 - 2018/9/1

N2 - Dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique, suitable for the study of structural and dynamic features of cutaneous microvasculature. Studies with D-OCT have primarily focused on non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and a reference description of healthy skin is lacking. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of standard microvascular features in normal skin. A total of 280 participants without skin disease were D-OCT–scanned on four body locations: three sun-exposed areas and one unexposed: forehead, back of the neck, back of the hand and medial side of the upper arm. Frequencies of standard vascular features were reported, and relations to anatomical location and demographic data were investigated. “Dots,” “lines” and “curves” were the most frequent shapes at 150 μm, 300 μm and 500 μm. “Mottle” was the predominant pattern at 150 μm and 300 μm. “Mesh” was found from 300 μm and primarily found at 500 μm. Regional differences in vascular characteristics were primarily found comparing the medial side of the arm with the other body locations. In normal skin, the most frequent shapes were “dots,” “lines” and “curves,” and “mottle” was present more superficially than “mesh.” In conclusion, regional anatomical differences should be taken into account when evaluating D-OCT images.

AB - Dynamic optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique, suitable for the study of structural and dynamic features of cutaneous microvasculature. Studies with D-OCT have primarily focused on non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and a reference description of healthy skin is lacking. The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of standard microvascular features in normal skin. A total of 280 participants without skin disease were D-OCT–scanned on four body locations: three sun-exposed areas and one unexposed: forehead, back of the neck, back of the hand and medial side of the upper arm. Frequencies of standard vascular features were reported, and relations to anatomical location and demographic data were investigated. “Dots,” “lines” and “curves” were the most frequent shapes at 150 μm, 300 μm and 500 μm. “Mottle” was the predominant pattern at 150 μm and 300 μm. “Mesh” was found from 300 μm and primarily found at 500 μm. Regional differences in vascular characteristics were primarily found comparing the medial side of the arm with the other body locations. In normal skin, the most frequent shapes were “dots,” “lines” and “curves,” and “mottle” was present more superficially than “mesh.” In conclusion, regional anatomical differences should be taken into account when evaluating D-OCT images.

KW - dermatology

KW - D-OCT

KW - microcirculation

KW - non-invasive imaging

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85052480167&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1111/exd.13680

DO - 10.1111/exd.13680

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 29733465

VL - 27

SP - 966

EP - 972

JO - Experimental Dermatology

JF - Experimental Dermatology

SN - 0906-6705

IS - 9

ER -