OCT for Talc-exposed Chest Wall

Abstract

This research paper is an exploration of the potential of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in investigating the conditions of talc-exposed chest walls. Optical Coherence Tomography is a high-resolution, non-invasive imaging technique that has been widely recognized for its ability to provide detailed cross-sectional images of tissue microstructures.

Talc exposure to the chest wall often leads to significant fibrosis - a thickening or scarring of connective tissue. This fibrosis drastically modifies the optical properties of the tissue, specifically its polarization states. Polarization refers to the orientation of the oscillations of light waves and it changes as light interacts with different materials. When light passes through fibrotic tissue, it undergoes changes in polarization states, which could be detected and quantified by polarization-sensitive OCT.

Our research posits that by utilizing polarization-sensitive OCT, we can measure the degree of these changes in polarization states, thereby gaining a clearer picture of the extent of tissue damage caused by talc exposure. This innovative method of applying OCT opens up new possibilities for the non-invasive, real-time assessment of tissue damage in talc-exposed chest walls. It offers the potential to revolutionize current diagnostic procedures by providing a more detailed understanding of the pathological changes that occur in the lung tissue following talc exposure.

The findings of this research could have significant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with talc-exposed chest walls. However, as with all new technologies, further studies and clinical trials are needed to refine the use of polarization-sensitive OCT, and to establish clear protocols for its use in clinical settings.

For a more in-depth understanding, readers are encouraged to refer to the extensive body of work on the applications of OCT in tissue imaging, as well as the specific impacts of talc on lung tissue[1,2].

References:

1. "Optical Coherence Tomography: Principles and Applications." Fujimoto JG, Drexler W. et al. (2003).
2. "Talc-induced Pulmonary Granulomatosis." Chen JY, Chen HL. et al. (2014).

Conclusion

This study resulted in three publications below.

• J. -E. Park, et al., “Application of Polarization Sensitive-Optical Coherence Tomography to the Assessment of Phase Retardation in Subpleural Cancer in Rabbits,” Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2021 Feb;18(1):61-69. doi: 10.1007/s13770-020-00318-9. Epub 2021 Jan 7. PMID: 33415673; PMCID: PMC7862481.
• 박정은 et al., "생체 외 토끼 모델에서의 탈크에 의해 유발되는 흉막 반응의 편광 민감 광 결맞음 단층촬영 이미징" 한국광학회지 31, no.1 (2020) : 1-6.
• Y.-C. Ahn, J. -E. Park et al., “Ex vivo High-resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imaging of Pleural Reaction after Pleurodesis Using Talc,” Journal of the Optical Society of Korea, vol. 20, no. 5, pp. 607–613, Oct. 2016.