First distinction of various cell types in middle ear pathologies using dynamic optical coherence tomography

Introduction Otitis media (OM) is globally highly prevalent and presents a burden to the health care system. Furthermore, chronic OM is often recurrent and not responsive to drug therapy. The surgical excision is the only definitive treatment. Modern imaging modalities might be supportive in the demarcation of inflamed tissue. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is already being used routinely for imaging the retina and could be a helpful biophotonic diagnostic tool for evaluating middle ear pathologies.

Methods  Dynamic optical coherence tomography (dOCT) provides a contrast by analyzing movement in a time series, thus allowing better distinction of cellular and subcellular structures. This work investigated how this novel method might be used to distinguish and identify various cell types of middle ear pathologies. Ex vivo tissue samples of OM and Cholesteatoma were visualized using the CelTivityTM Biopsy System. The resulting dOCT-images were analyzed and correlated with histology.

Results Using dOCT, various morphologies of cellular and subcellular structures can be described precisely. Consequentially it is possible to identify cells of the early immune response and blood cells as well as distinguish them from surrounding structures. The dynamic contrast emphasizes the differences between the cells regarding their subcellular activity. Epithelial cells from various epithelial types are allocated .

Conclusion For the first time, we could show dOCT to be suitable for distinguishing various cell types in the middle ear. This knowledge can be used for reliable recognition of middle ear inflammation with dOCT during optical supported surgery.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
12. Mai 2023