Optical coherence tomography (OCT): ready for the diagnosis of a nephrogenic adenoma of the urinary bladder?

The feasibility of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a non-invasive technique was shown in different fields. We investigated OCT's potential to detect nephrogenic adenoma (NA) within the human bladder. Clinically non-invasive methods like ultrasonography or CT have significant limitations. We applied our experience from OCT-analyses to one case of NA. OCT in vivo examination was performed using an optical fiber which was positioned cystoscopically. Characteristic structures of NA were compared in the OCT-images and the hematoxylin and eosin histological samples. Indeed, the structure and exact position of NA could be defined in relation to surrounding layers. However, a definite classification as NA by OCT only could not be reached in this single case. The examination of more NA cases would be necessary to base well-founded conclusions on. Further development of this technology could lead to an optical substitute for biopsies: especially apt for the field of endourology.