Inflammatory and infectious skin diseases in line-field confocal optical coherence tomography: state of the art

Ital J Dermatol Venerol. 2023 Jun;158(3):190-196. doi: 10.23736/S2784-8671.23.07607-7.

Abstract

Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a new non-invasive dermatological imaging device. We summarized the available data on the use of LC-OCT for inflammatory and infectious diseases. In February 2023, we searched for all articles concerning the use of LC-OCT in inflammatory and infectious diseases. A total number of 14 papers were found and evaluated, and relevant information was extracted. LC-OCT can reveal architectural changes in the skin. Inflammatory cells are barely visible. It can highlight the level of fluid accumulation, the thickness of different epidermal layers, and the presence of ''foreign bodies'' such as parasites.

MeSH terms

  • Epidermis
  • Humans
  • Skin / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious* / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin Neoplasms*
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods