Molecular Imaging in Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a medical imaging technique that provides tomographic images at micron scales in three dimensions and high speeds. The addition of molecular contrast to the available morphological image holds great promise for extending OCT’s impact in clinical practice and beyond. Fundamental limitations prevent OCT from directly taking advantage of powerful molecular processes such as fluorescence emission and incoherent Raman scattering. A wide range of approaches is being researched to provide molecular contrast to OCT. Here we review those approaches with particular attention to those that derive their molecular contrast directly from modulation of the OCT signal. We also provide a brief overview of the multimodal approaches to gaining molecular contrast coincident with OCT.

Noninvasive chorioretinal imaging in living rabbits using integrated photoacoustic microscopy and optical coherence tomography

“…In addition, both FA and ICGA are invasive and require intravenous injection of exogenous dyes that may cause complications such as emesis and anaphylactic reactions [3]. Without the need of dye injection, OCT and OCT angiography can provide structural and functional information of retina, but they often have limited visualization of the choroid and molecular imaging capabilities remain rudimentary [4,5]. A large clinical need thus remains developing improved chorioretinal imaging techniques.…”

Novel Photoacoustic Microscopy and Optical Coherence Tomography Dual-modality Chorioretinal Imaging in Living Rabbit Eyes

“…While OCT and OCTA are well-established technologies used in the clinic for anatomical and functional imaging of the eye, their molecular imaging capability is limited due to the contrast mechanisms 43 . PAM is an emerging eye imaging modality based on optical absorption contrast of ocular tissue.…”

Repurposing Molecular Imaging and Sensing for Cancer Image–Guided Surgery

“…Another exciting method, optical coherence tomography, uses interference patterns generated by light scatter and absorption as it passes through tissue to identify tissue microstructure. Classic optical coherence tomography is not directly sensitive to molecular information in tissue, and thus several innovative approaches have been introduced to pair the high morphologic resolution with functional content (11). Although it has not gained acceptance for MIGS, it is only a matter of time before this powerful technique makes an impact in human surgery.…”