Dario Di Stasio1, Dorina Lauritano2, Francesca Loffredo1, Enrica Gentile1, Fedora Della Vella3, Massimo Petruzzi3, Alberta Lucchese1. 1. Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania - Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Via L. De Crecchio, Italy. 2. Department of Medicine and Surgery, Centre of Neuroscience of Milan, University of, Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy. 3. Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive technique based on optical imaging with a micrometre resolution. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential role of OCT in evaluating oral mucosa bullous diseases. METHODS: two patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) and one patient with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) were examined and images of their oral lesions were performed using OCT. RESULTS: In OCT images, the BP blister has a clearly different morphology from the PV one compared to the blistering level. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study suggests that the OCT is able to distinguish epithelial and subepithelial layer in vivo images of healthy oral mucosa from those with bullous diseases, assisting the clinicians in differential diagnosis.The presented data are in accordance with the scientific literature, although a wider pool of cases is needed to increase statistical power. Histological examination and immunofluorescence methods remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of oral bullous diseases. In this context, the OCT can provide the clinician with a valuable aid both as an additional diagnostic tool and in the follow up of the disease.
OBJECTIVES: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive technique based on optical imaging with a micrometre resolution. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential role of OCT in evaluating oral mucosa bullous diseases. METHODS: two patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP) and one patient with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) were examined and images of their oral lesions were performed using OCT. RESULTS: In OCT images, the BP blister has a clearly different morphology from the PV one compared to the blistering level. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study suggests that the OCT is able to distinguish epithelial and subepithelial layer in vivo images of healthy oral mucosa from those with bullous diseases, assisting the clinicians in differential diagnosis.The presented data are in accordance with the scientific literature, although a wider pool of cases is needed to increase statistical power. Histological examination and immunofluorescence methods remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of oral bullous diseases. In this context, the OCT can provide the clinician with a valuable aid both as an additional diagnostic tool and in the follow up of the disease.
Authors: D Di Stasio; D Lauritano; A Romano; C Salerno; G Minervini; G Minervini; E Gentile; R Serpico; A Lucchese Journal: J Biol Regul Homeost Agents Date: 2015 Jul-Sep Impact factor: 1.711