Psoriasis Features Identified by Line-Field Confocal Optical Coherence Tomography

Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) can identify microscopic features of inflammatory skin diseases and is correlated with histopathology, according to a study published in The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Researchers aimed to evaluate LC-OCT imaging in some inflammatory disorders and correlate the resulting features with histopathology in a retrospective study. The case series study included patients with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of plaque psoriasis, atopic, eczema, and lichen planus. Patients were imaged with LC-OCT before the biopsy.

A total of 15 patients were included and in all cases, the microscopic features of the skin disease was recognized with LC-OCT and showed a strong correlation with histopathology.

“Although future studies on larger series of patients are necessary, LC-OCT, based on these preliminary findings, may represent a promising tool in inflammatory skin disorders with potential applications, including enhanced diagnosis, biopsy guidance, follow-up, and treatment monitoring,” concluded the study authors.

Reference
Verzì AE, Broggi G, Micali G, Sorci F, Caltabiano R, Lacarrubba F. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography of psoriasis, eczema and lichen planus: A case series with histopathological correlation. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Published online June 6, 2022. doi:10.1111/jdv.18293