Optical Coherence Tomography in Non-Invasive Diagnostic Imaging

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Optics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 3861

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Augsburg, Sauerbruchstraße, 86179 Augsburg, Germany
Interests: non-invasive imaging; non-invasive diagnosis of skin cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled "Optical Coherence Tomography in Non-Invasive Diagnostic Imaging", delves into the cutting-edge applications of OCT in the realm of medical diagnostics. It highlights the transformative potential of this advanced imaging technique, which offers high-resolution, cross-sectional views of internal tissues without the need for surgical intervention. By showcasing the latest research and advancements, this Special Issue aims to elevate the understanding and utilization of OCT in various medical fields, paving the way for more accurate, efficient, and patient-friendly diagnostic strategies.

Dr. Carmen Cantisani
Dr. Sandra Schuh
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • diagnosis
  • screening
  • marker
  • prognosis
  • optical coherence tomography
  • non-invasive diagnostic imaging

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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14 pages, 641 KB  
Article
Early Detection of Dementia Through Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography in a Taiwanese Cohort
by Man Sze Wong, Yung-Chuan Huang, Chao-Wei Wu, Yue-Cune Chang and Hsin-Yi Chen
Diagnostics 2026, 16(4), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16040534 - 11 Feb 2026
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dementia is an essential neurodegenerative disease with pathologic changes in the central nervous system, but also the retina. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia in an [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Dementia is an essential neurodegenerative disease with pathologic changes in the central nervous system, but also the retina. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia in an Asian population from Taiwan. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 43 patients with MCI (mean deviation [MD]: −5.05 ± 4.25 dB), 13 patients with mild dementia (MD: −9.03 ± 6.66 dB), and 32 healthy controls (MD: −2.50 ± 2.12 dB). OCT was performed on both eyes of each subject. The diagnostic sensitivity in identifying individuals with cognitive impairment of the Spectralis OCT parameters—such as those of the optic nerve head and macula—was compared across these groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for each parameter was calculated to assess its sensitivity in differentiating between healthy eyes and those of individuals with MCI or mild dementia. Results: Among the parameters evaluated, the Bruch’s membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) nasal inferior region (ACU = 0.720) was the optimal parameter for distinguishing individuals with MCI from healthy controls. However, the highest AUC of 0.861 was achieved through a combination of five parameters. In distinguishing individuals with mild dementia from healthy controls, the BMO-MRW temporal superior region (ACU = 0.764) was the optimal parameter, with an AUC of 0.940 after adjusting for age and MD. Moreover, the condition of the macular nerve fiber layer outer inferior parameter moderately predicted disease progression (AUC = 0.713). Conclusions: Our preliminary data demonstrate that Spectralis OCT shows potential in detecting MCI and mild dementia as well as for assessing disease progression in a Taiwanese population. Additional large-scale longitudinal and multiracial studies are essential to validate these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Coherence Tomography in Non-Invasive Diagnostic Imaging)
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15 pages, 1245 KB  
Article
Influence of Scleral Contact Lenses on Optical Coherence Tomography Parameters in Keratoconus Patients
by Atılım Armağan Demirtaş, Aytül Arslan, Berna Yüce and Tuncay Küsbeci
Diagnostics 2025, 15(19), 2541; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15192541 - 9 Oct 2025
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Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of scleral contact lens (SCL) wear on optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan quality and structural measurements in patients with keratoconus. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 28 eyes of 28 keratoconus patients. All [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of scleral contact lens (SCL) wear on optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan quality and structural measurements in patients with keratoconus. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 28 eyes of 28 keratoconus patients. All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluation, including corneal topography and spectral-domain OCT (Optopol REVO 60). Two OCT measurement sessions were performed on the same day: one without SCLs and one after a 30–75 min adaptation period with Mini Misa® scleral lenses. Recorded parameters included corneal and epithelial thicknesses, ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and device-reported quality index (QI). Correlation analyses between topographic values, age, and OCT parameters were also conducted. Results: The mean age of participants was 32.96 ± 13.72 years. SCL wear significantly decreased anterior segment QI (6.76 ± 1.73 vs. 5.57 ± 2.34, p = 0.019) but improved posterior segment QI in both the ganglion (2.52 ± 1.03 vs. 5.76 ± 2.17, p < 0.001) and disc (2.82 ± 0.94 vs. 4.39 ± 1.87, p < 0.001) modules. Central corneal thickness remained stable, while central epithelial thickness decreased slightly (50.53 ± 6.66 µm vs. 47.59 ± 7.20 µm, p = 0.007). RNFL and GCIPL thicknesses showed no significant changes, except for minor sectoral variations. Steeper keratometry values correlated with lower QI in both conditions. Conclusions: SCLs enhanced posterior OCT scan quality while reducing anterior segment image clarity. These findings suggest that SCLs not only provide visual rehabilitation but also facilitate more reliable posterior segment imaging in keratoconus patients, despite mild interference with anterior segment OCT metrics. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Coherence Tomography in Non-Invasive Diagnostic Imaging)
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9 pages, 3832 KB  
Case Report
Non-Invasive Diagnostic Imaging in Kaposi Sarcoma Evaluation
by Carmen Cantisani, Antonio Di Guardo, Marco Ardigò, Mariano Suppa, Salvador Gonzalez, Caterina Longo, Alberto Taliano, Emanuele Rovaldi, Elisa Cinotti and Giovanni Pellacani
Diagnostics 2025, 15(13), 1665; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15131665 - 30 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare angio-proliferative mesenchymal tumor that predominantly affects the skin and mucous membranes but may involve lymph nodes and visceral organs. Clinically, it manifests as red-purple-brown papules, nodules, or plaques, either painless or painful, often [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare angio-proliferative mesenchymal tumor that predominantly affects the skin and mucous membranes but may involve lymph nodes and visceral organs. Clinically, it manifests as red-purple-brown papules, nodules, or plaques, either painless or painful, often with disfiguring potential. The diagnosis is traditionally based on clinical and histopathological evaluation, although non-invasive imaging techniques are increasingly used to support diagnosis and treatment monitoring. We report a case of HHV-8-negative Kaposi sarcoma evaluated with multiple non-invasive imaging modalities to highlight their diagnostic utility. Case Presentation: An 83-year-old man presented with multiple painful, violaceous papulo-nodular lesions, some ulcerated, on the lateral aspect of his left foot. Dermoscopy revealed the characteristic rainbow pattern. Dynamic Optical Coherence Tomography (D-OCT) allowed real-time visualization of microvascular abnormalities, identifying large serpentine and branching vessels with clearly delineated capsules. Line-field Optical Coherence Tomography (LC-OCT) showed irregular dermal collagen, vascular lacunae, and the presence of spindle cells and slit-like vessels. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma, revealing a proliferation of spindle-shaped endothelial cells forming angulated vascular spaces, with red blood cell extravasation and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Conclusions: Non-invasive imaging tools, including dermoscopy, D-OCT, and LC-OCT, have emerged as valuable adjuncts in the diagnosis and monitoring of KS. These techniques enable in vivo assessment of vascular architecture and tissue morphology, enhancing clinical decision-making while reducing the need for immediate biopsy. Dermoscopy reveals polychromatic vascular features, such as the rainbow pattern, while D-OCT and LC-OCT provide high-resolution insights into vascular proliferation, tissue heterogeneity, and cellular morphology. Dermoscopy, dynamic OCT, and LC-OCT represent promising non-invasive diagnostic tools for the assessment of Kaposi sarcoma. These technologies provide detailed morphological and vascular information, enabling earlier diagnosis and more personalized management. While histopathology remains the gold standard, non-invasive imaging offers a valuable complementary approach for diagnosis and follow-up, particularly in complex or atypical presentations. Ongoing research and technological refinement are essential to improve accessibility and clinical applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Coherence Tomography in Non-Invasive Diagnostic Imaging)
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